The entrepreneurial firm internationalization process in the Southern African context: A comparative approach

TLDR: In this paper, the authors examine the specific process that small entrepreneurial firms follow in their internationalization; identify the key influences on the entire process; and identify the process outcomes; and conclude that there are four micro-processes that have a bearing on the shape and pace of the internationalization process.

Abstract: Purpose – The objectives of this paper are to: examine the specific process that small entrepreneurial firms follow in their internationalization; identify the key influences on the entire process; and identify the process outcomes.Design/methodology/approach – Four research questions are proposed to achieve the stated objectives. A cross‐industry, cross‐sectional survey involving a judgment sample of 1,900 small entrepreneurial firms that are engaged in international business was used. A total of 494 (26 per cent) usable responses were obtained. Correlation coefficients, frequency tables, factor analysis and discriminant analysis were used to analyse the data.Findings – There are four micro‐processes that have a bearing on the shape and pace of the internationalization process. These relate to: accelerators, export barriers, selectors of intra‐stage foreign market development and foreign market outcomes. The paper concludes that, based on the internationalization experience of small entrepreneurial firms...