The application of cluster analysis in strategic management research: An analysis and critique

• 成果类型: Review
• 署名作者: Ketchen, DJ; Shook, CL
• 署名单位: Northern Illinois University
• 刊物名称: STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT JOURNAL
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0143-2095
• DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0266(199606)17:6<441::AID-SMJ819>3.0.CO;2-G
• 发表日期: 1996
• 页码: 441-458
• 关键词: Classification; Cluster analysis; configurational research; STRATEGIC GROUPS

摘要

Cluster analysis is a statistical technique that sorts observations into similar sets or groups. The use of cluster analysis presents a complex challenge because it requires several methodological choices that determine the quality of a cluster solution. This paper chronicles the application of cluster analysis in strategic management research, where the technique has been used since the late 1970s to investigate issues of central importance. Analysis of 45 published strategy studies reveals that the implementation of cluster analysis has been often less than ideal, perhaps detracting from the ability of studies to generate knowledge. Given these findings, suggestions are offered for improving the application of cluster analysis in future inquiry.