The "tortuous evolution" of international management research: Critical issues on the way to maturity

Abstract

The field of international management (IM) is undergoing a “tortuous evolution” on its way to maturity. This article identifies five critical issues that arise along this evolution: (1) identity struggles; (2) no strong and clear impact on IM practice; (3) emphasizing instrumentalities; (4) not enough true and continuous interdisciplinarity; and (5) articulation of ideas and findings as if they emerge in a vacuum. The article seeks possible explanations of the underlying causes of these critical issues. It is argued that the five critical issues contribute to explaining why IM research has not yet fulfilled its potential. Suggestions are offered on how improvements can be made.