Critical issues in international management research: an agenda for future advancement

Abstract

This paper examines the roles of theory, country context, and disciplinary knowledge in International Management (IM) studies. It is argued that the existing approach of conducting research that is theory-motivated and phenomenon-based, treats country-context as boundary conditions, and draws on knowledge from a single-discipline, has serious limitations and is impeding progress. It proposes a new path for IM research that is phenomenon-motivated and theory-based, treats country context as analytical variables, and draws on and integrates knowledge from multiple disciplines. This approach expands the domain of IM research and produces interdisciplinary theories that have greater explanatory and predictive power than the current practice.