JIBS receives many manuscripts that report findings from analyzing survey data based on same-respondent replies. This can be problematic since samerespondent studies can suffer from common method variance (CMV). Currently, authors who submit manuscripts to JIBS that appear to suffer from CMV are asked to perform validity checks and resubmit their manuscripts. This letter from the Editors is designed to outline the current state of best practice for handling CMV in international business research.

The JIBS Statement of Editorial Policy states that ''Empirical submissions utilizing undergraduate student samples are usually discouraged.'' Wording is important here -''usually'' does not imply ''always.'' This statement suggests that while student samples are appropriate, in principle, undergraduate ones are not, except in unusual situations. The purpose of this From the Editors column is to discuss the pros and cons of student samples in international business (IB) research. Are student samples appropriate for developing and testing IB theories? When are student samples appropriate, and when are they not appropriate? Is there a difference between undergraduate and graduate samples? What are the ''best practices''? This editorial is intended to provide IB researchers with guidelines as to when student samples, and which types of student samples, are appropriate in IB research.

Social science research has recently been subject to considerable criticism regarding the validity and power of empirical tests published in leading journals, and business scholarship is no exception. Transparency and replicability of empirical findings are essential to build a cumulative body of scholarly knowledge. Yet current practices are under increased scrutiny to achieve these objectives. JIBS is therefore discussing and revising its editorial practices to enhance the validity of empirical research. In this editorial, we reflect on best practices with respect to conducting, reporting, and discussing the results of quantitative hypothesis-testing research, and we develop guidelines for authors to enhance the rigor of their empirical work. This will not only help readers to assess empirical evidence comprehensively, but also enable subsequent research to build a cumulative body of empirical knowledge.