Options
Psychic Distance in 37 Years of IB Literature : Taking Stock and Setting the Course
Journal
Proceedings of the ... Annual Meeting of the Academy of International Business
ISSN
2078-0435
Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2012-06-30
Author(s)
Editor(s)
Feinberg, Susan
Kiyak, Tunga
Abstract
Psychic distance has become a central concept in international business research. Despite its frequent use, its application to a variety of phenomena has produced inconsistent study results. We argue that part of this empirical ambiguity can be attributed to causal ambiguity and inconsistency. In order to better understand these issues, a systematic search and content analysis of published research on the psychic distance concept were performed. Covering major journals in the fields of international business, management, strategy and marketing, we identify 348 relevant academic contributions, outline the development of the concept and find evidence for its reification. Addressing the concept's controversial contribution to the literature so far, we offer a theoretical advancement in regard to its conceptualization. We argue that future operationalizations will benefit from the inclusion of bilateral measurement which allows for the possibility of asymmetric psychic distances and its consequences. We propose a framework that captures the two dimensions of psychic distance asymmetry and highlight research areas that could benefit from its application.
Language
English
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Book title
Rethinking the Roles of Business, Government and NGOs in the Global Economy
Publisher
Academy of International Business
Publisher place
East Lansing, MI
Event Title
54th Academy of International Business (ABI) Annual Meeting
Event Location
Washington D.C.
Event Date
30.06.-03.07.2012
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
216542