Research on the Import Activities of Firms 1960-2010: Review, Assessment, and Future Directions

Abstract

• The article presents the findings of a comprehensive review of 321 import-related articles published in business journals and books during the period 1960-2010. • Using a content analysis, the articles were assessed on four dimensions referring to the research design, scope of research, research methodology, and key thematic areas addressed. • The assessment revealed that this body of research has advanced over time from an exploratory and descriptive phase into one that is characterized by greater maturity and sophistication. • Based on input extracted from the articles reviewed, as well as from a survey conducted among prolific scholars in the field, various theoretical, methodological, and other guidelines for future research are provided. © 2012 Gabler Verlag.