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Half dead or more alive than ever? New, old, and (increasingly) redundant literature review formats

Author

Listed:
  • Jörn Block

    (University of Trier)

  • Leif Brändle

    (University of Hohenheim)

  • Peter Limbach

    (University of Bielefeld)

  • Tobias Röth

    (University of Bremen)

  • Christopher Albert Sabel

    (Erasmus University)

Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes academic research, this editorial argues that the role of literature reviews is evolving rather than diminishing. We identify three key trends reinforcing their necessity: the deluge of management research, the rise of interdisciplinary research and challenges, and practitioners’ growing demand for evidence-based insights. While AI enhances literature review methodologies, human expertise remains critical for agenda-setting, interpretation, and synthesis. To meet these new demands, MRQ introduces six distinct literature review formats: field-focused, meta-analytic, method-focused, phenomenon-focused, practitioner-focused, and theory-focused reviews. We outline their methodological approaches and intended audiences and additionally introduce blended reviews that combine these formats to offer new opportunities for advancing scholarship. We attempt to guide authors while inviting further dialogue on the future of literature reviews in management research.

Suggested Citation

  • Jörn Block & Leif Brändle & Peter Limbach & Tobias Röth & Christopher Albert Sabel, 2025. "Half dead or more alive than ever? New, old, and (increasingly) redundant literature review formats," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 75(2), pages 993-1008, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:manrev:v:75:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s11301-025-00513-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s11301-025-00513-9
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    Keywords

    Literature reviews; Management practices; New data sources; Research design; Scale development; Systematic literature reviews; Theorizing; Meta-research;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M10 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - General

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