How do international business studies develop? Inspiration from non-mainstream publications moves the discipline forward

Abstract

Last but not least, in Chapter 6, we underwent to consider emerging trends and potential developments that will shape the disciplines of IB / IM / CM. More specifically, Primecz (2024) investigates how non-mainstream paradigms, such as interpretive and critical studies, have influenced the field of international business, specifically within the domain of language management. Her study analyses 37 articles from four special issues and eight key publications, demonstrating that alternative paradigms have contributed significantly to advancing the field. The essay contrasts these findings with the dominance of functionalist (versus interpretative and critical) research in international business, arguing that non-mainstream publications—particularly those in language management—play a pivotal role in driving innovation and scientific progress.