¹University of Oklahoma, Norman, USA

Correspondence: David A Ralston, University of Oklahoma, PO Box 720302, Norman, OK 73070, USA. Tel: +1 405 321 9994; Fax: +1 405 325 1957; E-mail: dralston@ou.edu

Received 10 September 2007; Accepted 13 September 2007; Published online 8 November 2007.

Abstract

In this retrospective, I chronicle the development of the crossvergence theory of values evolution, which states: it is the dynamic interaction of the sociocultural influences with the business ideology influences that provides the driving force to precipitate the development of new and unique values systems in societies. Crossvergence theory was introduced in our 1993 JIBS paper, and was the focus of our 1997 Decade Award paper, as well as of a series of subsequent papers. Thus I discuss the purpose and findings for six papers that have contributed to our present level of knowledge concerning crossvergence theory. I conclude my comments with a discussion of the relevance of longitudinal and multilevel research, measures found to be useful, and methodologies to consider, as well as identifying research topics in need of exploration.