Strategic Management Research in Emerging Economies: A Lens Model Perspective

Abstract

Purpose – To provide strategic management scholars, particularly graduate students and new faculty members, a novel approach, the lens model, to investigate emerging economies phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach – Based on a review of the strategic management literature and a search of the strategy databases and journals, I propose the lens model approach and discuss its origins, development, and designs since its introduction. It has been used extensively in such fields as cognitive psychology, social psychology, medicine, agriculture, human resources management, and organizational behavior. Besides the wide application, it has relevance for strategic management research.

Findings – An illustrative study and a summary of the approach from a previous study in one prominent journal are also provided as guides. I conclude by providing recommendations on what to consider in using the approach for the study of emerging economies.

Research limitations/implications – In addition to the strengths of the approach, its weaknesses are also discussed. Suggestions on maximizing the potential of the approach are also discussed.

Practical implications – The approach is an invaluable source particularly for graduate students of strategy who often are unfamiliar with microlevel approaches. They can use it to supplement approaches for strategic management.

Originality/value – To my knowledge, this chapter is the first to discuss the lens model approach in the strategic management literature. In that regard, it fills a gap in the research methodology literature. It can therefore help graduate students improve their careers.

Citation

Zoogah, D.B. (2012), "Strategic Management Research in Emerging Economies: A Lens Model Perspective", Wang, C.L., Ketchen, D.J. and Bergh, D.D. (Ed.) West Meets East: Toward Methodological Exchange (Research Methodology in Strategy and Management, Vol. 7), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 35-72. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-8387(2012)0000007005