Behavioral microfoundations of international business: A literature review and research agenda

Focusing on linking micro-level factors to macro-level outcomes, the microfoundations perspective has become one of the most discussed movements in strategy and organization theory. Despite some initial attempts, microfoundational research in international business has been lagging behind other fields. This study provides a comprehensive examination of the behavioral microfoundations of international business research using a combination of text mining analysis and a systematic review of the literature by experienced international business researchers. Our analyses provide an overview of the theoretical concepts and empirical methods used to examine microfoundational research questions in the field. We also examine the evolution of the field over a ten-year period. Based on these findings, we identify missing research themes and potential areas for future research. The findings suggest that more research on the emotional and cognitive aspects as well as the relationships between individual, group and firm behaviors, coupled with the use of a greater range of rigorous methodologies, is needed to further advance research using a behavioral microfoundations perspective in international business."