Methodological fit for empirical research in international business: A contingency framework

Abstract

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The Use of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling and Complementary Methods in International Management Research

“…Several recent methodological reviews advocate the triangulation of methods and techniques to tackle some of the challenges that characterize IM but also other fields of research (Eden & Nielsen, 2020;Fainshmidt et al, 2020Fainshmidt et al, , 2021Knight et al, 2022;Nielsen et al, 2020;Richter & Hauff, 2022). When it comes to triangulation of methods and techniques authors often refer to qualitative and quantitative approaches, and among the quantitative approaches differentiate traditional multivariate techniques from machine learning approaches.…”

“…Quantitative and qualitative research approaches have often been associated with either theory-testing (quantitative) or theory building (qualitative). Current debates, however, highlight that there are different stages in the research process that can profit from both quantitative and qualitative data analyses and their triangulation (Doz, 2011;Knight et al, 2022;Welch & Piekkari, 2017;Welch et al, 2011Welch et al, , 2022. In IM we often face situations of nascent (i.e., little prior theory and formal theorizing) or intermediate or soft theories (i.e., partially developed constructs and explanations of relationships) (see also Knight et al, 2022).…”

“…Current debates, however, highlight that there are different stages in the research process that can profit from both quantitative and qualitative data analyses and their triangulation (Doz, 2011;Knight et al, 2022;Welch & Piekkari, 2017;Welch et al, 2011Welch et al, , 2022. In IM we often face situations of nascent (i.e., little prior theory and formal theorizing) or intermediate or soft theories (i.e., partially developed constructs and explanations of relationships) (see also Knight et al, 2022). In such a situation it is specifically fruitful to triangulate PLS-SEM with qualitative approaches.…”

“…As a result, a unified understanding is often missing, and it is not uncommon that research draws on different theoretical lenses to study the same phenomena. Accordingly, conducting research that advances theorizing and the development of overarching theories that uniquely clarify IM phenomena remains a crucial challenge (e.g., Knight et al, 2022;Oesterle & Wolf, 2011;Seno-Alday, 2010). Third, to ensure relevance IM research must be contextualized.…”

“…In light of such challenges, recent IM literature attests to the requirement of utilizing more sophisticated research designs and methodologies. For instance, proposed solutions revolve around the need to apply analytical techniques that allow comparative testing of alternative theoretical models and explanations, and to leverage method triangulation to name a few (e.g., Aguinis et al, 2020;Cuervo-Cazurra et al, 2017;Eden & Nielsen, 2020;Fainshmidt et al, 2020;Knight et al, 2022;Nielsen et al, 2020;Richter & Hauff, 2022).…”