International business research that moves Africa

Abstract

The Nachum et al. (J Int Bus Stud 54(5):938–955, 2023) Point article and the Kamoche and Wood (J Int Bus Stud 54(5):956–967, 2023) Counterpoint article each use interesting theory to argue that people-centric mechanisms and indigenous theories of Africa, respectively, offer opportunities for international business (IB) research. Although interesting theory is centered on academic impact, there are other impacts—societal, practical, policy, and educational—that matter to IB scholars of Africa. Focusing on those impacts, and using moving theory, I integrate positivity, history, and impact “turns” into a functional framework that shows how IB scholars interested in Africa can conduct research that addresses the immediate pressing requirements of being—inclusive development, capabilities, and maintenance—that matter to African societies, organizations, and individuals. The expansive framework draws in scholars of the cognate fields of IB to conduct research that prompts change and recognition, is restorative and reformative, and realigns and remodels the practices, knowledge systems, and behaviors of individuals, organizations, and societies. These functions are essential for creating impacts that appeal to leaders, practitioners, policymakers, and educators. As such, the framework aligns with the strategic aim of JIBS to foster research that helps build a better world.