The evolving definition of what comprises international strategic management research

Abstract

Lu [J. Internat. Manag. 9 (2003) 193] and Lohrke and Bruton [J. Internat. Manag. 3 (1997) 25] provided useful summaries of the current status of international strategic management (ISM) research. In this study, we revisit these two articles to investigate the field's evolution over the past 15 years. Our review points to expanding boundaries of ISM research. In particular, we highlight an infusion of various theories (e.g., institutional, social network, organizational learning theories) and frameworks [e.g., the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm] from other domains, as well as identify new models (e.g., Porter's "Competitive Advantage of Nations" model) and new topics (e.g., international entrepreneurship and e-commerce) that have arisen. We conclude by discussing the implications of this evolution for future ISM research. © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.