Business research as an educational problem‐solving heuristic – the case of Porter’s diamond

Abstract

Explores the link between research practice and business education. The work of Michael Porter has a long association with the field of marketing. Focuses on the Porter’s diamond model of national competitive advantage (1990). Draws on recent experiences from an empirical investigation into sources of competitive advantage and suggests that the model is useful as a conceptual framework for practitioner‐orientated discourse concerning developmental issues. Outlines the process of review that led to a set of specific action outcomes. Doing so highlights the reflective nature of the research process and provides insights into the usage of theory in a pragmatic manner. In particular, suggests that for those “less steeped in the management life‐world” such an account may facilitate a reflective turn in their appreciation of the relationship between marketing management theory and practice.