Setting the theoretical foundations of importing research: Past evaluation and future perspectives

Aykol, Bilge, Leonidou, Leonidas C. and Zeriti, Athina (2012) Setting the theoretical foundations of importing research: Past evaluation and future perspectives. Journal of International Marketing, 20 (2). pp. 1-24. ISSN 1069-031X

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Abstract

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.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	importing,international business,review,theoretical paradigms
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Norwich Business School
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Marketing
Depositing User:	Pure Connector
Date Deposited:	14 Oct 2016 10:00
Last Modified:	10 Nov 2022 11:32
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/60930
DOI:	10.1509/jim.11.0129

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