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Using Smartphone Location Data for Strategy Research

Author

Listed:
  • Young Hou

    (Darden School of Business, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903)

  • Christopher Poliquin

    (UCLA Anderson School of Management, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095)

  • Mariko Sakakibara

    (UCLA Anderson School of Management, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095)

  • Marco Testoni

    (Miami Herbert Business School, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146)

Abstract

Smartphones regularly track the precise locations of millions of people worldwide. These data are increasingly used in industry and academic settings to measure firm performance, workplace behavior, social interactions, and other metrics. We demystify this rich data source and explain how these data are constructed, how researchers can obtain access, and best practices when making inferences. Furthermore, we examine mobility data’s coverage of business locations against a popular business listing data source (Data Axle) and provide guidelines on matching mobility data to firm financials (Compustat). Finally, we provide sample data, code for illustration, and a website for data exploration ( https://www.mobilitydataresearch.com/ ) and highlight opportunities and limitations of using these data for management and strategy research.

Suggested Citation

  • Young Hou & Christopher Poliquin & Mariko Sakakibara & Marco Testoni, 2025. "Using Smartphone Location Data for Strategy Research," Strategy Science, INFORMS, vol. 10(4), pages 281-299, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:orstsc:v:10:y:2025:i:4:p:281-299
    DOI: 10.1287/stsc.2024.0317
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