In this book we address the major streams of research and major research
approaches that have helped to develop the field to its current state. But perhaps the
book’s highest potential value is the extensive and insightful discussion of promising
future opportunities and research agendas. Many chapter authors have devoted nearly
half of their space to the discussion of promising pathways for future research, and
have identified numerous research questions that, when addressed, will add significant value to research knowledge and to the strategic management of firms. We believe that the discussion of historical roots and the analysis of the field’s development to its current state will be important resources for doctoral students and for young scholars whose careers began in recent decades without benefit of an up-to-date resource like this book, and that the extensive discussion of future research opportunities will benefit all. Another extremely helpful aspect of the book is that the chapters have extensive reference lists that can help the readers find the major past writings on the topics. In its examination of the future of strategic management, the book offers
the perspectives of scholars who are widely regarded as leaders in the field. We hope that readers will be assisted in theory building and in identification and pursuit of new areas of exploration
The book has 11 Parts, along with this introductory chapter by the editors. Each
of the book’s Parts covers a major topic area and is led by one or more prominent
scholars whose research is specialized in the area on which the Part focuses. Those
scholars have provided lead chapters on the primary research focus for their Parts of the book. In those lead chapters, the authors present an overview of that research (Part), including major theoretical perspectives present in the work to date, and commentary on the future of research in that area, identifying new directions as well as exciting interdisciplinary opportunities. Each Part also includes chapters on more
focused topics, representing some of the major streams of research related to the primary foci in that Part. The chapters are authored by a mix of well-established scholars and scholars who are rising stars whose work is already well known and respected in their area.