TY - JOUR

T1 - Developing Theoretically Informed Typologies in International Business: Why We Need Them, and How to Do It

AU - Allen, Matt

AU - Wood, Geoffrey T.

AU - Demirbag, Mehmet

PY - 2022/12

Y1 - 2022/12

N2 - 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.

AB - 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.

KW - international business theory

KW - explanatory tupologies

KW - ideal types

KW - configurational analysis

KW - transaction cost theorty

KW - state capitalism

U2 - 10.1057/s41267-022-00529-3

DO - 10.1057/s41267-022-00529-3

M3 - Article

VL - 53

SP - 2133

EP - 2146

JO - Journal of International Business Studies

JF - Journal of International Business Studies

SN - 1478-6990

IS - 9

ER -