Understanding the evolution of the slack–performance relationship from a bibliometric perspective

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse and classify the literature that links slack resources with performance, determining the diversity and coherence within the field, as well as possible future research trends.Design/methodology/approachUsing Web of Science information, a dynamic co-citation and co-word analysis was developed, enabling identification of the theoretical foundations that have accompanied the study of the slack–performance relationship and the research trends associated with these types of resources and their temporal evolution.FindingsDocument co-citation and co-word analysis and its evaluation present a growing diversity of literature but which maintains links to the core works, giving coherence to this research field. The key theoretical approaches remain stable over time but with fragmentation of the topics analysed. Results allowed identification of a number of emerging research trends, achieving a level of consolidation within the field, with research fronts linked to those trends.Originality/valueSlack resources have a large trajectory within the management field. However, it is believed only basic bibliometric analyses of the literature have been made and none has developed an analysis of the evolution. This work is useful not only for incipient researchers to better understand the theoretical bases upon which the current work is based but also for the identification of possible gaps and unanswered research questions. The results complement previous research, with qualitative or meta-analytic perspectives, fundamental in understanding the structure and evolution of this research field.