International Business Studies Research Articles

Improving the credibility of case study research in international business studies and beyond: a simple fix for a serious problem

PurposeThe field of international business (IB) formally welcomes and frequently calls for case study research, but the proportion of case study papers appearing in IB journals remains very small. This paper aims to support efforts to redress this imbalance by addressing an overlooked yet critical issue: the (mis)use of tenses when theorizing from case study findings. The authors reveal a pervasive use of the present tense and argue that this leads to decontextualization and, in turn, over-generalization. The paper also suggests ways in which this problem may be avoided in the future, thereby improving the credibility and status of case-based research and helping to de-marginalise it within IB.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative content analysis was applied to all (2,627) papers published between 2011 and 2021 in four leading IB journals. In total, 171 case study papers were identified over these 11 years, and a deeper content analysis was then performed to measure the extent of decontextualization/over-generalization implied by the inappropriate use of the present tense in the discussion and theorisation of research findings.FindingsThis study found that, out of 171 case study papers identified, 141 (82.5%) provided at least two instances of over-generalization as implied by the misuse of the present tense. However, some of these papers were found to feature statements that could be claimed to mitigate such inappropriate generalization. These mitigating factors included the repeated use of adverbial phrases denoting context and the use of a “propositional style” that clearly distinguished contextual findings from speculative, decontextualized generalizations. Nevertheless, 71 of the 171 (41.5%) papers still demonstrated inappropriate generalization, even after allowing for mitigating factors.Originality/valueThis study reveals a problematic writing practice and one which has arguably significantly contributed to the “decontextualization” problem critiqued in IB and management studies more broadly. The study also offers further insights into how decontextualization might be avoided, arguing that this problem would be significantly reduced if tenses were used appropriately in discussing and theorizing case study findings. Additionally, the study highlights the continued marginalization of qualitative research methods in IB and reinforces calls to address it.

Broad and alien is the field: dependence and heterogeneity in management research practices in Latin America

PurposeThis study aims to explore the ways in which management scholars affiliated with Peruvian universities navigate the tensions between global expectations and local realities in their research practices, drawing on their capitals and habitus.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on Bourdieu’s field theory, the authors analyse 25 in-depth interviews and a unique database of academic publications in the business and management field from 2000 to 2022. The analysis identifies the positions scholars occupy within the Peruvian management field and examines the factors influencing their research practices.FindingsThe authors find that the Peruvian management field is complex and unequal, where actors have different positions and interests, but are all influenced by a logic of academic dependency on the Global North. The authors identify three main positions held by scholars: transnational dominators, who accumulate greater resources and ignore local debates; dominated adaptors, who unsuccessfully try to imitate the dominant logic; and isolated innovators, who critique the dominant model but lack institutional support to develop alternatives.Originality/valueThis research presents an analysis of the Peruvian management field, a site often overlooked in international business studies. By examining scholarly practices, the authors reveal how academic inequalities are reproduced by the forces of globalization. The study underscores the urgent need for greater acknowledgement of regionally informed research, advocating for a more inclusive and diverse understanding in the field of management research.

Doing process research in international business

Process research develops our understanding of the emergence, flow, and evolution of phenomena over time through ongoing activities and events. The field of international business has long been concerned with developing an understanding of various kinds of processes over time. Yet, several international business scholars have called for more studies that recognize the process-based nature of international business phenomena. This paper therefore discusses the challenges of process research in international business and offers insight into how they may be addressed. We draw on the broader methodological literature and on exemplar process studies in international business to explore and illustrate a repertoire of methodological tools that may be useful in assembling the three critical ingredients of high-quality process research: rich process data, insightful process theory, and credible but creative coupling between the two.

Influence of Quality Education on FDI Inflows in Subs-Saharan Africa: A Theoretical and Empirical Research

The non-traditional influences of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) are increasingly gaining attention in international business studies; however, the empirical evidence of these influences is still scant. Using human capital theory within the context of the national competitive framework, the study reported in this paper considers the progress towards achieving Quality education as a likely influence of FDI inflows in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The paper employs a panel data research design and conducts fixed effects estimations. The analysis categorizes FDI flows into global FDI, FDI from developed countries, and FDI from developing countries to SSA. Thus, the paper is centred around three research questions: (1) How does progress toward quality education influence global FDI inflows? (2) How does progress towards quality education influence FDI inflows from developed and (3) from developing countries? The analysis mainly utilizes a bespoke dataset from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and data from trustworthy databases such as UNCTADSTAT and the World Development Indicators (WDI). The results support the claim of the increasing importance of non-traditional influences of FDI flow. Quality Education significantly influenced FDI inflows from the globe and developing countries to SSA. This research provides further evidence that the national competitive framework can thoroughly explain the factors that have different significant powers in influencing FDI flows to SSA from developed and developing countries. The study is highly policy-relevant because it examines the effects of the degree of attainment of specific UN Sustainable Development Goals (quality education) on inward FDI performance. It, therefore, shows the benefits of SSA countries investing in the SDGs for the policy goal of attracting more considerable amounts of inward FDI.

Applicability of Both/and Thinking in International Sustainable Business Studies

The purpose of this article is to provide a methodological demonstration making use of the both/and thinking (BAT) framework to perform analysis of intertemporal tensions. The BAT framework as an analytical tool is able to holistically examine complex multi-level business problems that involve tensions, contradictions and paradox that could be useful to others. Engaging the BAT framework in international sustainable business studies can be a challenging choice as it requires holistic understanding of the affects in the separation of contradictory elements across time and distance to shape research inquiry and direction. The approach considers that while paradoxes deal with contradictions, as a methodological process it enables a strategy for juxtaposing apparent opposites using an integrative lens embedded in BAT. As such, the use of BAT is discussed using a constructionist approach to gain insight and understanding on surfacing intertemporal tensions exemplified by the socio-business case study that is situated in the chocolate industry. The article draws on BAT primary and sub-themes and discusses implications and applications as a technique to frame the grappling of tensions. The findings are guided by the existing literature and the analysis from the empirical case study providing contributions in practice to further support the use of the BAT framework. Paradoxes examined in this article are based on affects for the themes of organizing, belonging, performing and learning. This article provides understanding of the findings to gain insight from an empirical and theoretical perspective to illustrate the practical implications of the methodological approach. As such, the principles of paradox theory are placed in the context of the BAT framework which are exemplified by making use of the empirical case study data to surface the potential applicability of the approach for future research. This article aims to contribute to the business and management methodological literature by demonstrating the use of the BAT approach and contributes with specificity in relation to the paradox taxonomy and the use of the BAT framework. Despite certain limitations, the BAT framework can be an excellent choice for qualitative sustainable business research that deals with contradictory demands.

Pivot to the South: Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through China's Belt and Road Initiative

AbstractWhilst China's aid and development model has been traditionally understood as divergent from the dominant post‐1945 liberal development model, scholars are also increasingly exploring convergence between features of the two development models. Recently, scholars from a range of disciplines including development studies, development geography and international (business, environment and legal) studies have explored a process whereby China's Belt and Road Initiative and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals converge (‘BRI‐SDG integration’). This paper brings these multidisciplinary strands of scholarship together and places them in dialogue with social sciences convergence theory to understand how BRI‐SDG integration aligns with or challenges previous conceptualisations of Chinese‐dominant development convergence. The paper first demonstrates that BRI‐SDG integration proposes a novel and deliberate convergence process ‐ which the paper names ‘complementary convergence’. However, BRI‐SDG integration also underscores the need for more multidirectional frameworks that reject Eurocentricity for evaluating the contemporary Chinese‐dominant relationship, and an enhanced focus on how China is influencing dominant development institutions. Finally, BRI‐SDG integration reiterates the methodological difficulties of delineating between ‘development models’ in an increasingly interrelated global governance of development.

A Study on the Marketing Strategy for a New Product Development and Launch in the Market

In today’s market careful planning and a good product strategy are essential to help you succeeding in the market. Companies everywhere are competing more than ever to develop new and unique products or services and gain a higher position in the market. Companies develop a high number of new products every year. Most of these products fail to secure competitive advantages and end up being just another high cost for the company. The aim of this thesis is to develop a product development and launch process for Company X, Finnish supplier of roll handling equipment for the paper industry. The need for this thesis came during the author´s working experience with the company. Company X is a young company that creates innovative products for the industry. Developing new unique products that offer several benefits to the customers is the company mission and at the same time one of the main strengths. As the new product development is a continuous process and Company X is growing its product portfolio continuously, the commissioner felt the need instructuring the product development and launch process in a well-defined step-by-step process that is easy to follow and communicate internally. The author’s knowledge and experience gained during the studies in international business and working with in the paper industry can be utilized to help Company X in building this process. New products are very essential for the corporate success. Innovation is a must if you want to continue competing in the market. However the new product development is one of the riskiest processes that require focus and high investments. Several studies have been done in the successful product launch cases, and success drivers have been discovered. Corporations are using a structured idea-to- launch processes which help them manage implementing these success drivers and reduce the risk of product launch fail.

Resilience or decline of informal networks? Examining the role of trust context in network societies

The nature of informal networks in various societies, and particularly whether they recede or tend to persist over time, has long been a subject of discussion in international business studies. However, empirical research on trust in network-oriented societies, where individuals typically maintain somewhat different relationships with their in-group, out-group, and non-specified others, remains limited. Drawing on insights from informal network research and intergroup contact theory to model trust relationships in network societies, 882 respondents from three network societies -- China, Russia, and South Korea -- were surveyed, and confirmatory factor and path analyses applied. The results suggest that as network importance increases, both in-group trust and out-group trust also increase. Individuals who more commonly draw upon out-group trust ties attach less importance to in-group trust ties. Increases in non-specific trust, however, are associated with increases in both in-group and out-group trust, pointing towards the boundary spanning function of non-specific trust. Consequently, rather than finding a clear indication of whether informal networks persist or recede, ambivalent trust relationships were observed. This calls for a reexamination of the conventional ‘either/or’ perspective on the nature of informal networks. This network heterogeneity can be attributed to individuals, especially in developing network societies, utilizing a ‘both/and’ approach to trust and networking, and yielding more economic opportunities.

Branding a small state as an innovation business partner

AbstractApproximately 50 small countries depend on international cooperation for their survival as sovereign nations. This case study contributes to the discussion of cosmopolitanism versus internationalism in public diplomacy and place branding. It argues that limited bilateral partnerships with universities and businesses based on government-to-government agreements and shared interest are a safer strategy for small countries seeking reputational security than outspoken support for cosmopolitan values. This strategy is a very useful form of place branding, especially in times of crisis and uncertainty. The case examined is Innovation Centre Denmark, with offices in innovation hotspots in various countries. It organizes its activities as bilateral triple helixes, inspired by the work of Henry Etzkowitz and his colleagues. The center developed as part of a nation branding strategy launched by Denmark, a small Nordic country, following the so-called Muhammad crisis in 2005–2006. Then Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen described the controversy as Denmark’s worst international relations incident since WW2, as it damaged the country’s brand in some parts of the world. The article is multidisciplinary in nature, as it combines theories from international relations, business studies, and communication. The public diplomacy approach adopted is primarily represented by Nicholas Cull and his colleagues.

Intersectionality as a conceptual lens for advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in international business studies: newer developments from critical cross-cultural management studies and their insights for the business case

Purpose Using intersectionality and introducing newer developments from critical cross-cultural management studies, this paper aims to discuss how diversity is applicable to changing cultural contexts. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a conceptual paper built upon relevant empirical research findings from critical cross-cultural management studies. Findings By applying intersectionality as a conceptual lens, this paper underscores the practical and conceptual limitations of the business case for diversity, in particular in a culturally diverse international business (IB) setting. Introducing newer developments from critical cross-cultural management studies, the authors identify the need to investigate and manage diversity across distinct categories, and as intersecting with culture, context and power. Research limitations/implications This paper builds on previous empirical research in critical cross-cultural management studies using intersectionality as a conceptual lens and draws implications for diversity management in an IB setting from there. The authors add to the critique of the business case by showing its failures of identifying and, consequently, managing diversity, equality/equity and inclusion (DEI) in IB settings. Practical implications Organizations (e.g. MNEs) are enabled to clearly see the limitations of the business case and provided with a conceptual lens for addressing DEI issues in a more contextualized and intersectional manner. Originality/value This paper introduces intersectionality, as discussed and applied in critical cross-cultural management studies, as a conceptual lens for outlining the limitations of the business case for diversity and for promoting DEI in an IB setting in more complicated, realistic and relevant ways.

Emerging market MNEs, digital transformation and ESG performance: evidence from China’s listed companies

ABSTRACT The importance of emerging market multinational enterprises’ (EM-MNEs) social responsibility has been realized in the literature, but how to enhance EM-MNEs’ ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance in the digital age has attracted limited attention. This article fills this gap by investigating whether EM-MNEs can improve ESG performance through digital transformation among Chinese listed companies. We employ text analysis techniques to measure the degree of digital transformation within MNEs and further construct a fixed-effects (FE) model to investigate the positive influence of digital transformation on EM-MNEs’ ESG performance. Results show that digital transformation within MNEs is positively related to ESG performance and such effect is verified for non-state-owned enterprises but not for state-owned enterprises. We suggest that MNEs with more foreign subsidiaries are more prone to be influenced by the positive effect of digital transformation on ESG performance than MNEs with fewer foreign subsidiaries. Moreover, the Belt and Road Initiative is valuable for MNEs to reap ESG benefits from digital transformation. The findings enrich international business studies by adding the digital economy and ESG to the discussion. Moreover, they provide valuable implications for policymakers and business leaders in emerging markets by delineating strategies for enhancing the ESG performance of EM-MNEs.

Is Digital Diplomacy a Good Tool for Resolving International Conflicts

The use of digital platforms in diplomacy has transformed the ways in which diplomacy is conducted. The advancement of communication channels and the widespread use of digital tools have contributed to the expansion of communication, leading to discussions regarding its potential impacts on conflict resolution. However, the profound influence of digital communication on public diplomacy is significant. Meanwhile, digital diplomacy, although advantageous in certain aspects, is limited in its ability to reproduce the intricate dynamics observed in in-person interactions. This paper examines the effectiveness of digital diplomacy in conflict resolution. Using various sources from the disciplines of international relations, business studies, medicine, communication studies and computer science, this paper studies the psychological, geographical, and technological benefits and drawbacks of digital diplomacy. After a thorough comparison of various literature from the aforementioned disciplines, the paper arrives at the conclusion that in order to arrive at effective conflict resolutions, diplomats should take a predominantly traditional approach while using some form of digital diplomacy.

Paradigms in Qualitative IB Research: Trends, Analysis and Recommendations

This paper examines trends, challenges and opportunities in terms of research methodologies in qualitative IB research. In particular, it examines trends for the dominant (positivism/(post)positivism) paradigm versus alternative paradigms (i.e., social constructivism, critical realism and interpretivism) and provides a comparative analysis of data collection and methods. Using mixed methods to collect and analyze data on qualitative articles published in International Business Review, Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of World Business, and Management International Review, we examine trends and differences between the dominant and alternative paradigms and use qualitative content analysis to investigate how alternative paradigm papers are conceptualized and presented. Moreover, we interview authors of non-positivist papers to gain in-depth understanding of the findings. We reveal differences across the paradigms and provide evidence of paradigmatic fit between methods and data collection techniques for the dominant paradigm, but more variation for alternative paradigms. Lastly, we provide prescriptions for IB scholars in terms of methodology diversity and how complex IB phenomena can be pursued vis-a-vis alternative paradigms.

Bulls and bears: inscribing SOEs’ roles into the global climate agenda

Purpose This study aims to explore when and under what conditions state-owned enterprises (SOEs) become important players in orchestrating the global climate action and what their roles are as domestic or international (de)carbonizers. Design/methodology/approach This is a conceptual paper that aims to advance understanding of the role of SOEs in addressing the global climate challenge. The authors build on the institutional theory to capture the importance of home-country climate regulation mechanisms and advance knowledge on the internationalization of SOEs. The authors review the literature on the institutional boundaries that shape the environmental activities of firms at home and abroad and develop the argument on the influence of home country institutions and internationalization on the role of SOEs in the global climate agenda. Findings In this study, the authors elaborate the SOEs’ climate action matrix and offer three propositions based on the fact that SOEs’ environmental strategies are driven by the interests of the state as owner and the scope of SOEs’ internationalization. First, the authors propose that the level of home country’s climate policy ambition explains SOEs’ stance on climate action. Second, scope of internationalization explains SOEs’ stance on climate action. Third, the progressive/increasing involvement of SOEs in climate action enhances the country’s climate stance. Originality/value The authors incorporate the climate argument into international business (IB) studies of SOEs’ internationalization, a novel approach that helps us to advance the knowledge on the complex issue of corporate climate action. The authors argue for a dynamic and reciprocal relationship between home/host countries and SOEs’ climate engagement. In doing this, the authors contribute to the IB research and policy agenda by exploring SOEs’ engagement in advancing the global climate agenda.

Institutional theory and multinational corporation internationalization strategy: a systematic review and future research agenda

PurposeThis study reviews the literature on institutional theory in international business and examines the institutional factors behind the success or failure of multinational corporations (MNCs) in emerging markets.Design/methodology/approachThis systematic literature review analysed 116 peer-reviewed articles published in leading journals between 2005 and 2022. The R package Bibliometrix and VOSviewer visualization software were used for analysis. A hybrid methodology combining bibliometric and content analyses was utilized to obtain a descriptive evaluation of the publication impact along with a keyword co-occurrence map, context-specific institutional effects and subsidiary strategies.FindingsThe Journal of International Business Studies, along with influential authors such as Mike W. Peng, Klaus Meyer, and Mehmet Demirbag, have taken the lead in advancing institutional theories for MNC internationalization in emerging markets. The clusters from the co-word analysis revealed dominant MNC entry modes, institutional distances and MNC localization strategies. The content analysis highlights how the institutional environment is operationalized across the macro-, micro- and meso-institutional contexts and how the MNC subsidiary responds in emerging markets. Meso-level interactions emphasize the relational aspects of business strategies in emerging markets.Practical implicationsContextualizing subsidiary strategies and institutional forms can help managers align their strategic responses to the dynamic relationship between subsidiaries and the institutional environment. The review findings will enable policymakers to simplify regulatory policies and encourage MNC subsidiary networks with local stakeholders in emerging markets.Social implicationsLegitimacy strategies such as corporate community involvement in emerging markets are crucial for enhancing societal support and removing stakeholders' scepticism for MNC business operations in emerging markets. Moral legitimacy should be implemented by managers, such as lending support to disaster management efforts and humanitarian crises, as they expand to new business environments of emerging markets.Originality/valueThis study is the first to explore institutional diversity and subsidiary strategic responses in a three-layered institutional context. The findings highlight the relevance of contextualizing institutional perspectives for international business scholars and practitioners as they help build context-specific theoretical frameworks and business strategies. Future research recommendations are suggested in the macro-, micro- and meso-institutional contexts.

UMA ANÁLISE CIENTOMÉTRICA SOBRE INSTITUIÇÕES NA PESQUISA DE NEGÓCIOS INTERNACIONAIS

ABSTRACT This paper explores the co-evolution of international business studies and institutions, employing a scientometric approach and bibliometric review on the application of institutional concepts in international business studies, outlining a research agenda. We compiled a database of 3,520 articles and conducted a scientometric analysis to examine the evolution of the term “institutions” in international business in ABS-ranked journals. Our findings show that (1) over the past two decades, there has been a shift in the use of the term institutions from a political and economic connotation to a sociological perspective to explain how firms adopt strategies, make decisions, and address intra-national problems during the internationalization process; (2) traditional approaches were found to be insufficient in explaining context-dependent events that affect international business; and (3) China has emerged as a critical player in international business studies, which has helped to redirect the focus of institutions from political and economic aspects to the sociological context. Finally, we propose an agenda for future research, highlighting potential pitfalls and remedies.

Antecedents to the disclosure of a stigmatized national identity in cross‑national work settings

International Business (IB) and management studies have neglected giving needed attention to interactions of individuals with stigmatized national identities with overseas clients. This leaves uncertainty about the antecedents that lead these individuals to disclose their national identity to foreign clients or keep it hidden. Drawing on Social Identity Theory (SIT) and Stigma Theory, this comparative case study of two Tunisia-based call centers serving western markets indicates that identity-related choices depend more on skills and experiences individuals possess than on how they relate to each other. The study contributes to both IB and management studies by completing the existing definition of SIT and offering solutions regarding how to address stigma in IB.

ІНТЕРНАЦІОНАЛІЗАЦІЯ МАЛИХ ВЕНЧУРНИХ КОМПАНІЙ: 30 РОКІВ ДОСЛІДЖЕНЬ

The article highlights the evolution of research of small venture companies from the inception of international business studies in the 1960s to the present time with an emphasis on 1993-2024 as a period of isolated research on small firms. It provides an overview of the commonly used terminology in the field of international entrepreneurship and analyses the state of research on the topic in Ukrainian literature, which leads to identification of a research gap – internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises appears to fall out of the scope of international entrepreneurship and international business research. Based on the existing empirical research in the field, the article highlights the need for isolated studies on small venture enterprises and addresses this research gap in Ukrainian literature by providing a systematic review of internationalisation literature aimed at small venture companies as opposed to the multinational companies. A systematic review of the literature establishes a link between early research on international business and the current literature on international entrepreneurship, while providing the overview of international business theories that were adapted for the use in international entrepreneurship. It outlines a trending research direction in international entrepreneurship literature – international entrepreneurial opportunities. It discusses the characteristics of the entrepreneur, company and environment that form the basis of international opportunity. The article defines the place of international marketing and strategic management in the system of small business internationalization research and outlines promising future research directions recognised in international scientific literature. It follows the developments of G. Knight and S. T. Cavusgil in discussing integrationresponsiveness paradigm – originating from international business – and effectuation theory – coming from strategic management – as future research directions. Finally, it provides arguments for development of internationalisation of small venture companies research in Ukrainian literature.

A Scientometric Analysis of the Social Network Theory on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)

Social network theory has been propounded as an important resource base for entrepreneurship and serves as an underlying force for the development of entrepreneur behaviour. However, there is a lack of scientific research that uses CiteSpace to explore the relationship between the social network theory and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this study was to gather literature-based information to assess the current status and development trends in social network theory and SME research. A scientometric analysis was undertaken by focusing on published literature, authors, affiliations, and collaborative networks among countries. Additionally, a co-citation dataset was examined, encompassing authorship, articles, and keywords. The results found a total of 441 related studies from 1994 to 2022. Notably, Shu C. L. and Zhao L. emerged as the most influential authors while the Journal of International Business Studies was the most influential journal. Key clusters associated with network star

Going complex or going easy? The impact of research questions on citations

The growing need for academic impact requires researchers to develop and address important ideas. In this paper, we analyze how theory has been framed and operationalized within international business scholarship, which has a long tradition of producing research that accounts jointly for multiple research contexts and levels of analysis. We focus on two key aspects of published articles: the complexity of their research questions and how the research questions are translated into testable hypotheses. We further assess how the complexity and operationalization of research questions have been received by business/management, interdisciplinary, and practice-oriented research audiences. To achieve this, we examine a sample of 423 quantitative articles published in the Journal of International Business Studies between 2005 and 2015, and consider the articles’ citations during 2010–2020. Our paper provides suggestions about how authors might better frame research questions that are both important and impactful.