Clarifying the Relationships between Institutions and Global Strategy

We review the relationships between institutions and global strategy and explain several clarifications for future research. First, studies need to clarify the standard used to assess quality in institutional dimensions they research rather than let readers assess them from the measures. Second, analyses need to specify the theoretical approach used, which may be based on the paradigm from a single discipline (economics, sociology, politics, psychology) or the integration of underlying disciplines, as often seen in management. This must form the basis of a consistent set of assumptions rather than a potpourri of arguments from incompatible logics. Third, investigations need to clarify the direction of relationship and mechanisms. On the one hand, studies on the impact of institutions on strategy should clarify the institutional influences used (adapt, appeal, avoid). On the other hand, research on the effect of strategy on institutional change should clarify the institutional strategies (inform, influence, incentivize) and institutional spillovers (compete, command, copy) by which firms change institutions