Business research as an educational problem‐solving heuristic – the case of Porter’s diamond

Abstract

Explores the link between research practice and business education. The work of Michael Porter has a long association with the field of marketing. Focuses on the Porter's diamond model of national competitive advantage (1990). Draws on recent experiences from an empirical investigation into sources of competitive advantage and suggests that the model is useful as a conceptual framework for practitioner-orientated discourse concerning developmental issues. Outlines the process of review that led to a set of specific action outcomes. Doing so highlights the reflective nature of the research process and provides insights into the usage of theory in a pragmatic manner. In particular, suggests that for those``less steeped in the management life-world'' such an account may facilitate a reflective turn in their appreciation of the relationship between marketing management theory and practice.

National Competitiveness and Porter's Diamond Model: The Role of MNE Penetration and Governance Quality

“…As critics (Rugman and D'Cruz, ) have noted, the markets of geographically proximal countries in places like Europe may offer sophisticated demand conditions such that domestic demand conditions become less salient (Cartwright, ; O'Connell, Clancy, and van Egeraat, ; Rugman and D'Cruz, ). Here, a nation may reach relatively higher levels of productivity in the absence of strong demand conditions if international demand serves as a pull factor for domestic firms.…”

Developing the researcher‐manager interface in the case analysis process

“…This paper has put forward arguments in favor of the claim that the case analysis process can be characterized by the quality of the communication processes between researcher and manager. In addition, the paper maintains that this process contributes to enabling scholars and corporate management involved in research based on case analysis to build up and define a convergent context of formation/elaboration of knowledge on corporate processes (O'Connell et al, 1999). In fact, some of the best-known studies of cases in management literature, which have been widely cited by scholars, have actually been produced by managers (Sloan, 1963).…”

Enhancing national competitiveness through national cooperation

“…natural resources, labor force, exchange rates and trade balance), Porter proposed a new theory that emphasizes the micro foundations for the creation of national wealth. Porter found four common attributes for those countries possessing internationally competitive industries: factor conditions; demand conditions; related and supporting industries; and firm strategy, structure and rivalry, and he named the “diamond model.” In this diamond model, Porter particularly addressed the importance of geographic concentration and competition among firms, because these encourage firms to continuously upgrade and innovate (O’Connell et al , 1999).…”