Trends in strategic management – Do different keyword analysis approaches induce different results?

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to examine the field of strategic management (SM), both in its original concepts and in the future direction of this discipline. The aims, thus, are to determine how the SM discipline has evolved and to identify current trends in this field. Therefore, articles published in leading scientific journals in the field of SM between 2012 and 2017 were considered and analysed in detail using bibliometric methods.

Design/methodology/approach. This study combines quantitative research based on three different and independent approaches, considering keyword analysis especially. The question arises if different approaches, in particular using different databases, time ranges and journals, either lead to identical results or to differences regarding the trends detected in the SM field.

Findings. Although three different approaches were used, similar results could be achieved. The overall result is that current research in the SM field is focused on the performance of companies, the development of capabilities, and possibilities to drive innovations to remain competitive.

Originality/value. This study gives an overview of the current trends in the field of SM; thus, it helps to illustrate the state of the art of research in this discipline. Therefore, a common understanding of current trends in SM in recent years has been generated, which enables researchers to position their future research efforts. This also provides insights into how the field might change in the future. Furthermore, the paper shows how different methodological approaches in the design of keyword analysis (journal selection, time frame, database) can influence the results.