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The crossvergence perspective: reflections and projections

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Abstract

In this retrospective, I chronicle the development of the crossvergence theory of values evolution, which states: it is the dynamic interaction of the sociocultural influences with the business ideology influences that provides the driving force to precipitate the development of new and unique values systems in societies. Crossvergence theory was introduced in our 1993 JIBS paper, and was the focus of our 1997 Decade Award paper, as well as of a series of subsequent papers. Thus I discuss the purpose and findings for six papers that have contributed to our present level of knowledge concerning crossvergence theory. I conclude my comments with a discussion of the relevance of longitudinal and multilevel research, measures found to be useful, and methodologies to consider, as well as identifying research topics in need of exploration.

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Notes

  1. The “influence-type” terminology that I am using to describe this study was developed many years after the writing of this study.

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Acknowledgements

I would like to note that a multitude of colleagues have been an inspiration over the years in my development of the crossvergence perspective. In particular, however, I specifically would like to acknowledge my co-authors who participated in the six studies that I include in this discussion of the evolution of my thinking regarding crossvergence theory. In alphabetical order, they are: Fanny Cheung, Carolyn P. Egri, David J. Gustafson, Wei He, David H. Holt, Carlos W. H. Lo, Nancy K. Napier, Van Thang Nguyen, James Pounder, Joseph Stauffer, Robert H. Terpstra, Xun Wang, Yim-Yu Wong, and Kai-cheng Yu.

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  1. University of Oklahoma, Norman, USA

    David A Ralston

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  1. David A Ralston
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Correspondence to David A Ralston.

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Accepted by Arie Y Lewin, Editor-in-Chief, 13 September 2007.

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Ralston, D. The crossvergence perspective: reflections and projections. J Int Bus Stud 39, 27–40 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.jibs.8400333

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