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Combining interpretivism and positivism in international business research: The example of the expatriate role

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  • Sanchez, Juan I.
  • Bonache, Jaime
  • Paz-Aparicio, Carmen
  • Oberty, Celia Zárraga

Abstract

We illustrated how multi-paradigm research that combines the phenomenological interpretive and the positivist paradigms in sequential studies helps problematize questionable assumptions in international business research. While observing the phenomenological principle of epoché (i.e., suspension of researchers’ pre-conceived categories), we interpreted accounts of their lived experience amongst expatriates working in foreign subsidiaries. A follow-up positivist study further led us to conclude that, unlike Edström and Galbraith's (1977) reasons for an international assignment, expatriates hardly see themselves as headquarters’ control agents, but as dual agents in charge of balancing both headquarters and subsidiary's interests.

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  • Sanchez, Juan I. & Bonache, Jaime & Paz-Aparicio, Carmen & Oberty, Celia Zárraga, 2023. "Combining interpretivism and positivism in international business research: The example of the expatriate role," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 58(2).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:worbus:v:58:y:2023:i:2:s1090951622001092
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jwb.2022.101419
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    2. Peng Sun & Xiaode Zuo, 2024. "Philosophical Foundations of Management Research: A Comprehensive Review," Journal of Scientific Reports, IJSAB International, vol. 6(1), pages 1-22.
    3. Stacey Fitzsimmons & Mustafa F. Özbilgin & David C. Thomas & Stella Nkomo, 2023. "Equality, diversity, and inclusion in international business: A review and research agenda," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 54(8), pages 1402-1422, October.

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