Spanning the boundaries: International business theories in a complex global environment

Abstract

The field of international business is constantly evolving, and there is ongoing debate about what exactly constitutes international business and how its definition influences theorizing. Traditionally, the field has focused on the cross-border activities of multinational enterprises, including foreign direct investment, multinational strategies and organization, and the process of internationalization. However, changes in the global environment have necessitated a broader, multidisciplinary approach to international business theorizing. This paper explores how international business emerged as a field of inquiry and examines how interrelated areas such as international management, international entrepreneurship, and international strategy can inform international business theorizing. It argues that a more complementary approach would be beneficial, rather than treating these fields as distinct. Furthermore, the paper acknowledges the complex nature of the global environment and highlights the numerous challenges and opportunities it presents for businesses operating internationally. Finally, it proposes a future research agenda that takes this intricate global context into account and challenges international business scholars to adopt a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to developing comprehensive theories that capture the dynamic and interconnected nature of the global business environment.