Action theory may refer to:
Action theory (philosophy), an area in philosophy concerned with the processes causing intentional human movement Action theory (sociology), a sociological theory established by the American theorist Talcott Parsons Social action, an approach to the study of social interaction outlined by the German sociologist Max Weber and taken further by G. H. Mead
It may also refer to a number of different types of social interactions and associations, including: Affectional action Instrumental action Traditional action Value-rational action Communicative action Dramaturgical action Group action (sociology)