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Building on the past: advancing theory in services through meta-analysis

Chiara Orsingher (Department of Management, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy)
Jens Hogreve (Ingolstadt School of Management, Catholic University of Eichstaett-Ingolstadt, Ingolstadt, Germany)
Andrea Ordanini (Department of Marketing, Bocconi University, Milan, Italy)

Journal of Service Management

ISSN: 1757-5818

Article publication date: 21 March 2016

1257

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a reflection on the role that meta-analysis can play in theory building for service phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper illustrates the benefits of conducting meta-analysis, presents its basic steps, and then uses an example to illustrate how meta-analytic findings can be used to enrich and develop theory.

Findings

Meta-analytic findings allow identifying gaps in current theories, thereby offering the opportunity to develop new research. Theoretical advancement through meta-analysis can imply theory borrowing, mutual theoretical development with other disciplines, intradisciplinary and multidisciplinary theorizing.

Practical implications

Experienced researchers might use this essay to better understand how meta-analysis can be used to generate new relevant research. Young researchers and PhD students may benefit from a greater use of meta-analysis to gain a thorough knowledge of their research topic and about the areas that require further exploration.

Originality/value

Rather than thinking of meta-analysis mainly as the conclusion of a well-researched domain and a good summary of cites, this essay underlines to the service scholar community how meta-analysis can boost theoretical advancement in services.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Yves Van Vaerenbergh for his suggestions on an earlier version of this paper.

Citation

Orsingher, C., Hogreve, J. and Ordanini, A. (2016), "Building on the past: advancing theory in services through meta-analysis", Journal of Service Management, Vol. 27 No. 1, pp. 37-42. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOSM-04-2015-0126

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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