Buckley, P. J., Doh, J. P., & Benischke, M. H. (2017).

Question 1

What was Buckley’s (2002) primary concern regarding the state of International Business (IB) research?

Answer 1

The article critiques that IB research has lost focus on “big questions”—fundamental issues that shape international business, such as globalization, MNE strategies, and global value chains.

Question 2

The authors identify three major areas where IB scholars have made important contributions. Identify.

Answer 2

1. The rise of multinational enterprises (MNEs) from emerging economies.
2. The growth, causes, and consequences of offshoring and global value chains.
3. MNEs’ responses to social responsibilty and sustainability.

Question 3

Grand Challenges in IB

Answer 3

The authors call for IB scholars to tackle “grand challenges” like climate change, inequality, and global migration. These are large-scale, complex problems requiring interdisciplinary research and business–society collaboration.

Question 4

What is the main criticism of IB research’s impact outside the field?

Answer 4

It has limited influence on business practice and allied disciplines

Question 5

The Springboard pespective

Answer 5

A theory explaining how emerging-market MNEs expand internationally not because they already have strong competitive advantages, but to acquire them by accessing global resources and markets.

Question 6

Global Factory concept

Answer 6

A framework that explains how firms outsource manufacturing to reduce costs

Question 7

Interdisciplinary Approach in IB

Answer 7

The article emphasizes that IB research should integrate insights from economics, sociology, political science, and development studies to remain relevant and impactful.

Question 8

Multilevel Analysis in IB

Answer 8

IB challenges span multiple levels (global, national, industry, firm, and individual), requiring researchers to examine how different levels interact rather than studying them in isolation.

Question 9

What is one reason IB research often lacks impact on government policy and business practice?

A) IB scholars tend to publish in niche academic journals rather than industry-focused outlets
B) IB theories are outdated and do not apply to modern business environments
C) There is too much emphasis on practitioner-driven research rather than theoretical work
D) IB research focuses mainly on Western economies, limiting its global relevance

Answer 9

A.

Question 10

What is one major issue with IB scholars’ approach to studying emerging market MNEs?

A) They rely on theories that were developed for Western MNEs without adapting them
B) They focus too much on qualitative research methods
C) They ignore the role of government policies in firm expansion
D) They overemphasize cultural factors in internationalization

Answer 10

A.

Question 11

What potential risk do the authors associate with shifting IB research toward grand challenges?

A) It could lead to businesses disengaging from IB research due to its increased complexity
B) It may reduce the distinct identity of IB as a field by merging too much with other disciplines
C) It might shift IB research priorities toward short-term corporate needs rather than long-term societal impact

Answer 11

B.