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Developing theoretically informed typologies in international business: Why we need them, and how to do it

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Abstract

In this article, we make the case for theoretically/logically derived explanatory typologies and their constituent ideal types, arguing that they can provide us with the basis to further understand dynamic and complex contemporary phenomena. We contrast this approach with dominant analytical strategies in international-business research. We show that the greater use of explanatory typologies and their associated ideal types in international-business research facilitates comparisons of similar cases; illuminates key, but relatively under-researched aspects of phenomenon; promotes theory building; and readily supports configurational analyses. By doing this, explanatory typologies can underpin rigorous analyses, and enhance the relevance of research findings on causally complex contemporary phenomena at different analytical levels.

Résumé

Dans cet article, nous plaidons en faveur des typologies explicatives théoriquement/logiquement dérivées et de leurs types-idéaux constitutifs, en argumentant qu'elles peuvent nous fournir la base d'une meilleure compréhension des phénomènes contemporains dynamiques et complexes. Nous comparons cette approche avec les stratégies analytiques dominantes dans la recherche en affaires internationales. Nous montrons que l'utilisation accrue des typologies explicatives et de leurs types-idéaux associés dans cette dernière facilite les comparaisons de cas similaires; clarifie des aspects clés, mais relativement peu étudiés du phénomène; favorise la construction de théories; et conforte aisément les analyses configurationnelles. Ce faisant, les typologies explicatives peuvent étayer des analyses rigoureuses et renforcer la pertinence des résultats de la recherche sur des phénomènes contemporains causalement complexes à différents niveaux analytiques.

Resumen

En este artículo, abogamos por las tipologías explicativas derivadas de la teoría y la lógica y los tipos ideales que las componen, argumentando que pueden proporcionarnos la base para comprender mejor los dinámicos y complejos fenómenos contemporáneos. Contrastamos este enfoque con las estrategias analíticas dominantes en la investigación sobre negocios internacionales. Mostramos que un mayor uso de las tipologías explicativas y sus tipos ideales asociados en la investigación en negocios internacionales facilita la comparación de casos similares; ilumina aspectos clave, pero relativamente poco investigados del fenómeno; promueve la construcción de teorías; y apoya fácilmente los análisis configuracionales. Al hacer esto, las tipologías explicativas pueden respaldar análisis rigurosos y mejorar la relevancia de los resultados de la investigación sobre fenómenos contemporáneos causalmente complejos en diferentes niveles analíticos.

Resumo

Neste artigo, defendemos tipologias explanatórias derivadas de forma teórica/lógica e seus tipos constituintes ideais, argumentando que elas podem fornecer a base para melhor entender fenômenos contemporâneos dinâmicos e complexos. Comparamos essa abordagem com estratégias analíticas dominantes na pesquisa de negócios internacionais. Mostramos que o maior uso de tipologias explanatórias e seus tipos ideais associados na pesquisa de negócios internacionais facilita a comparação de casos semelhantes; ilumina aspectos chave, mas relativamente pouco estudados do fenômeno; promove a construção de teorias; e suporta prontamente análises configuracionais. Ao fazer isso, tipologias explanatórias podem sustentar análises rigorosas e aumentar a relevância de achados de pesquisa sobre fenômenos contemporâneos causalmente complexos em diferentes níveis análise.

摘要

在本文中, 我们论证了从理论/逻辑上推导出的解释性分类及其成分的理想类型, 认为它们可为我们进一步理解动态和复杂的当代现象提供基础。我们将这种方法与国际商务研究中占主导的分析策略进行了对比。我们表明, 在国际商务研究中更多地使用解释性分类及其相关的理想类型有助于比较类似案例; 阐明现象关键的而研究相对不足的方面; 促进理论建设; 并易于支持配置分析。通过这样做, 解释性分类可支持严格的分析, 并增强研究结果在不同分析水平上对因果复杂的当代现象的相关性。

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Richard Whitley and, especially, Pavlos Dimitratos for very helpful comments on an earlier draft of this paper. We would also like to thank Prof. Stav Fainshmidt and the three anonymous reviewers for their constructive and insightful suggestions during the review process. Any errors that remain are, of course, ours.

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  1. Business, Management, and Marketing Group, Bangor Business School, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2DG, Wales, UK

    Matthew M. C. Allen

  2. Department of Management and Organizational Studies, Social Science Centre, London, ON, N6A 5C2, Canada

    Geoffrey Wood

  3. Essex Business School, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1LW, Essex, UK

    Mehmet Demirbag

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Allen, M.M.C., Wood, G. & Demirbag, M. Developing theoretically informed typologies in international business: Why we need them, and how to do it. J Int Bus Stud 53, 2133–2146 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41267-022-00529-3

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