Microfoundations in International Management Research: The Case of Knowledge Sharing in Multinational Corporations

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelForskningpeer review

Abstract

Microfoundations have become an important theme in recent macro-management research. However, the international management (IM) field is an exception to this. We document the lack of attention on microfoundations in IM research by focusing on knowledge sharing – a key IM research field – which we investigate by means of a keyword-based literature study of the leading IM and general management journals. We discuss possible reasons why microfoundations have so far met with less resonance in IM research. We point to the training and background of IM scholars as possible reasons. We also highlight the significance that IM scholars place on context and structure in explanation. These may be seen as contrary to a microfoundations perspective, a view that we show is incorrect. We end by identifying several microfoundational issues in IM research, calling for a sustained effort with respect to theory, heuristics, and empirics.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftJournal of International Business Studies
Vol/bind50
Udgave nummer9
Sider (fra-til)1594–1621
Antal sider28
ISSN0047-2506
DOI
StatusUdgivet - dec. 2019
Udgivet eksterntJa

Emneord

  • Microfoundations
  • Context
  • Knowledge sharing
  • Subsidiaries

Citationsformater