Secondary sources refer to information that is not obtained directly from the original source, but has been recompiled, interpreted or analyzed by a third party. These sources include books, magazine articles, market analysis, and more. In the business context, secondary sources are essential for research as they offer a broader and often more detailed perspective than primary sources.
For example, a company considering expanding into a new international market could consult market research reports (a secondary source) to get a comprehensive view of the trends, opportunities, and challenges in that specific market. While these sources offer valuable information, it is crucial for companies to evaluate the credibility and timeliness of secondary sources, as the information could be outdated or influenced by particular biases.