1. Optimal Distinctiveness Theory in Organization Studies; 2. The Historical Grounding of Optimal Distinctiveness Research; 3. An Orienting Framework for Macro Research on Optimal Distinctiveness; 4. Expanding the Scope: How the Optimal Distinctiveness Framework Can Bring New Insights into Multiple Research Streams; 5. Zooming In: How the Optimal Distinctiveness Framework Informs Studies of Organizations' Competitive Positioning; 6. Zooming Out: How the Optimal Distinctiveness Framework Informs Studies of Market Category Dynamics; 7 Conclusion.