The article "Prescriptive Theorizing to Tackle Societal Grand Challenges: Promises and Perils" by Christopher Wickert explores the debate between prescriptive and descriptive theorizing in management research. The Point, authored by Hanisch, advocates for prescriptive theorizing as a means to address societal grand challenges, emphasizing its potential to provide actionable solutions. In contrast, the Counterpoint, by Horner et al., cautions against the risks and potential pitfalls of prescriptive theorizing, arguing for more contextualized approaches. Wickert's introduction highlights the importance of both descriptive and prescriptive theorizing in management research, noting that they are complementary rather than mutually exclusive. He emphasizes the need for scholars to understand the promises and perils of both approaches to conduct impactful research. The article also introduces the concept of performativity and counter-performativity, which can help examine the unintended consequences of theories on management practice. The Point argues that prescriptive theorizing can address societal challenges by actively eliciting or producing desired outcomes, while the Counterpoint warns against the dangers of decontextualized and overly simplistic prescriptions. Wickert suggests that both approaches should be complemented by research on performativity and counter-performativity to better understand how theories shape social reality and their potential unintended consequences. In conclusion, the debate underscores the importance of a balanced approach to theorizing, combining descriptive and prescriptive methods to address societal challenges effectively. The article provides valuable insights for scholars aiming to develop impactful theories that can make a meaningful difference in practice.The article "Prescriptive Theorizing to Tackle Societal Grand Challenges: Promises and Perils" by Christopher Wickert explores the debate between prescriptive and descriptive theorizing in management research. The Point, authored by Hanisch, advocates for prescriptive theorizing as a means to address societal grand challenges, emphasizing its potential to provide actionable solutions. In contrast, the Counterpoint, by Horner et al., cautions against the risks and potential pitfalls of prescriptive theorizing, arguing for more contextualized approaches. Wickert's introduction highlights the importance of both descriptive and prescriptive theorizing in management research, noting that they are complementary rather than mutually exclusive. He emphasizes the need for scholars to understand the promises and perils of both approaches to conduct impactful research. The article also introduces the concept of performativity and counter-performativity, which can help examine the unintended consequences of theories on management practice. The Point argues that prescriptive theorizing can address societal challenges by actively eliciting or producing desired outcomes, while the Counterpoint warns against the dangers of decontextualized and overly simplistic prescriptions. Wickert suggests that both approaches should be complemented by research on performativity and counter-performativity to better understand how theories shape social reality and their potential unintended consequences. In conclusion, the debate underscores the importance of a balanced approach to theorizing, combining descriptive and prescriptive methods to address societal challenges effectively. The article provides valuable insights for scholars aiming to develop impactful theories that can make a meaningful difference in practice.