A bibliometric examination of the literature on emerging market MNEs as the basis for future research

Abstract

We examine the literature on emerging market multinational enterprises (EMNEs) via bibliometrics, with the goal of synthesizing the disparate definitions of multinationals from emerging and developing markets to unfold the domain’s knowledge structure and provide a future research opportunity framework. Scholars have demonstrated enormous interest in EMNEs, leading to a significant collection of works. Bibliometric research is an important tool for advancing disciplines as knowledge accumulates and accommodates the next steps for further development in the area. We identify 571 articles for two periods (1982–2010: 62 articles; 2011–2020: 509 articles) to uncover and examine the EMNE knowledge base longitudinally. We identify the most highly cited EMNE publications and develop co-citation matrices for each period to generate its knowledge structure using multidimensional scaling. Then, we introduce a results-driven integrative conceptual model for future research comprised of three main components (and subcomponents): strategic orientation (entrepreneurial emphasis, geographic focus, and relational resources), market-focused capabilities (knowledge development characteristics and processes), and competitive advantage indicators (positional and financial outcomes). Our results provide a platform from which future EMNE research can advance the domain.