W(h)ither U.S. hegemony in international business research?

Abstract

Background: Researchers have suggested a transition from historical hegemony by authors and institutions from the U.S. is underway, reflecting an internationalization of IB research. These studies indicate that European and Asia-Pacific business schools and their faculty members are helping to lead this transition. Aims: This study examines whether U.S. dominance of IB research has truly reached its end, or whether the extent of this transition to non-U.S. authors and institutions has been overstated. To the extent that U.S. hegemony has declined, this study examines what strategies may have assisted non-U.S. nations and their business schools to emerge as leaders in producing IB research. Materials & Methods: This study employs an in-depth, time-series analysis of the evolution of IB research over a 45-year period, 1976–2020, to examine trends in institutional and national productivity globally. Results: Despite declines in overall dominance of U.S. authors and institutions, the extent varies by type of journal and U.S. impact remains profound through Ph.D. training and collaboration. In addition, novel findings include the emergence of three distinct business models that non-U.S. institutions have followed to enhance their global rankings in publication of IB research. Discussion: We discuss the 3-part typology of strategies by which non-U.S. institutions have enhanced their productivity and international rankings. Conclusions: Key conclusions from the study, including contributions and their implications, are presented along with considerations for further research.