Setting the Theoretical Foundations of Importing Research: Past Evaluation and Future Perspectives

Aykol B., Leonidou L. C., Zeriti A.

JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL MARKETING, cilt.20, sa.2, ss.1-24, 2012 (SSCI) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 20 Sayı: 2
  • Basım Tarihi: 2012
  • Dergi Adı: JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL MARKETING
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-24
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: importing, international business, review, theoretical paradigms, GLOBAL SOURCING STRATEGY, CORPORATE SOCIAL-RESPONSIBILITY, TRANSACTION-COST-ANALYSIS, COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE, INTERNATIONAL-BUSINESS, MULTINATIONAL-CORPORATION, PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS, JAPANESE MULTINATIONALS, INDUSTRIAL-PRODUCTS, MARKETING CHANNELS
  • Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Although prior efforts have been made to review research on importing, an updated, integrated, and chronological assessment of its theoretical evolution is lacking. This study critically investigates the theoretical foundations of importing research using a comprehensive review of 321 importing-related articles published during the 1960-2010 period. The analysis reveals that, although in general this research adopts a certain theoretical perspective, a notable part of it is not theoretically anchored. Of those studies that rely on theories, the most commonly used are the neoclassical microeconomic model, the behavioral model, and transaction cost economics. These theories were mainly associated with international buying behavior, importer exporter relationships, and strategic aspects of importing. The study also identifies a range of other important topics that could be investigated using extant theories. In addition, the authors propose several other theories not previously employed, such as the institutional, stakeholder, and resource dependence theories, to be used in the study of new research issues. Finally, the authors suggest several actions toward theory advancement, including the need to integrate multiple theoretical paradigms, adjust theory to different environments, combine quantitative and qualitative inputs, cross-fertilize ideas from various disciplines, and periodically assess developments in the importing literature.