The Many Faces of Distance – A Typology of Distance in Management

Abstract

Purpose: Based on the various streams of distance literature in management, a framework is provided to make discourses on distance clear. Design / Method / Approach: After a review of the most relevant distance concepts, a typology with five categories is introduced, which are then applied to the most relevant distance concepts in management. Findings: A clear typology helps to clearly define and differentiate the various streams of distance literature. Theoretical implications: With the conceptual categories ‘topic’, ‘dimensionality’, and ‘level of analysis’, and the empirical categories ‘variables’ and ‘distance calculation’, distance concepts become more consistent. Practical implications: With a terminology for the different aspects of distance, practitioners can focus more clearly on specific remedies to bridge distance. Originality / Value: The paper offers a new typology of different elements of distance. Research limitations / Future research: The introduced typology will aid in the discussion of distance in management. Paper type (empirical / conceptual): conceptual

Keywords

• international management
• internationalization
• cultural distance
• psychic distance
• institutional distance