Research in business history: From theorising to bizhismetrics

Abstract

Empirical work is dominating business history, with a particular emphasis on case research using rich primary sources. I argue that the field of business history would benefit from a balanced combination of theoretical and empirical work. Restoring this balance requires that business historians build theories using their empirical observations. This approach – theorising – may enrich the field of business history and enhance the impact on related fields. I also argue that testing business history theory requires a broad set of empirical techniques, that is, bizhismetrics.