Shelby D. Hunt: a retrospection on the importance, origins, and development of research programs

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide a retrospection on the importance, origins and development of the research programs in the author’s career. Design/methodology/approach: The study uses an autobiographical approach. Findings: Most of the articles, research monographs and books that constitute this research and publishing efforts can be categorized into seven distinct, but related, research programs: channels of distribution; marketing theory; marketing’s philosophy debates; macromarketing and ethics; relationship marketing; resource-advantage theory; and marketing management and strategy. The value system that has guided these research programs has been shaped by specific events that took place in the author’s formative years. This essay chronicles these events and the origins and development of the seven research programs. Originality/value: Chronicling the importance, origins and development of the seven research programs will hopefully motivate and assist other scholars in developing their own research programs.