Stephen Hymer's contribution to international business scholarship: an assessment and extension

Abstract

We assess Stephen Hymer's contribution to the theory of the multinational enterprise and to international business (IB) scholarship. We focus on Hymer's evolving analytical framework, and assess it in terms of its internal consistency and in the light of the shifting global landscape and scholarly thinking. We also extend Hymer's framework, revisit his predictions, and conclude by questioning his canonical status within the IB profession.