The Eclectic Paradigm ― A Framework for Synthesizing and Comparing Theories of International Business from Different Disciplines or Perspectives

While originally the eclectic paradigm helped bring together and compare mainly economic theories of International Business (IB), today its greater value is as a framework that has the potential to enable us to relate to one another IB theories derived from ideas taken from different disciplines and constructed at different levels of analysis. To help to promote a greater conversation between those interested in the theoretical explanation of IB activities from various different backgrounds or starting points, this book offers a special Collection of JIBS articles which concern the foundations and the application of the eclectic paradigm.


Journal of International Business Studies (JIBS) is an official publication of the Academy of International Business and is the top-ranked journal in the field of international business. The goal of JIBS is to publish insightful, innovative and impactful research on international business. JIBS is multidisciplinary in scope and interdisciplinary in content and methodology. For more information, visit www.jibs.net.

Academy of International Business (AIB) is the leading association of scholars and specialists in the field of international business.
The leading global community of scholars and researchers for the creation and dissemination of knowledge about international business and policy issues, the AIB transcends the boundaries of single academic disciplines and managerial functions to enhance business education and practice. For more information, visit aib.msu.edu.

John Cantwell is Professor of International Business at Rutgers as Professor of International Business and is currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of International Business Studies from 2011-2016. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in the UK, Professor Cantwell was also an associate editor of the Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization from 2002-10 and has published twelve books, over 65 articles in refereed academic journals, and over 80 chapters in edited collections.