Competitive Intelligence Empirical Construct Validation Using Expert In-Depth Interviews Study

Abstract

For a discipline to prosper in business and science, it must be thoroughly defined, characterized, and measured. Notably, the definition must reflect its praxis. This study aims to fill this void by empirically validating the Competitive Intelligence unified view and modular definition proposed by Madureira, Popovic, and Castelli (2021). The choice for this specific definition relies on its recency, comprehensiveness, completeness, and universality. The study uses a mixed-methods approach to derive meta-inferences from the sequential integration of qualitative and quantitative methods. We tested content, external, discriminant validities, reliability, and applicability using an in-depth interview study with twenty global CI subject matter experts. The results empirically validate the unified view, the modular definition, the five core defining dimensions, and their respective descriptors. This study unfolds the impact of CI in management research across five key areas - practical, theoretical, educational, society, policy. The critical lever for this impact is the effectuation of the Body of Knowledge which subsequently effectuates the CI practice, education, and discipline, serving as the foundation for its future development in business and academia.