Showing papers on "Internationalization published in 2009"
TL;DR: The Uppsala internationalization process model was revisited in the light of changes in business practices and theoretical advances that have been made since 1977 as mentioned in this paper, and the change mechanisms in the revised model are essentially the same as those in the original version, although they add trust-building and knowledge creation, the latter to recognize the fact that new knowledge is developed in relationships.
Abstract: The Uppsala internationalization process model is revisited in the light of changes in business practices and theoretical advances that have been made since 1977. Now the business environment is viewed as a web of relationships, a network, rather than as a neoclassical market with many independent suppliers and customers. Outsidership, in relation to the relevant network, more than psychic distance, is the root of uncertainty. The change mechanisms in the revised model are essentially the same as those in the original version, although we add trust-building and knowledge creation, the latter to recognize the fact that new knowledge is developed in relationships.
3,700 citations
TL;DR: In the last two decades, new MNEs from emerging, upper-middle-income, or oil-rich countries have followed completely different patterns of international expansion as mentioned in this paper, and to what extent we need a new theory to explain their international growth.
Abstract: Executive Overview The traditional American model of multinational enterprise (MNE), characterized by foreign direct investment (FDI) aimed at exploiting firm-specific capabilities developed at home and a gradual country-by-country approach of internationalization, dominated the global economy during much of the post-World War II period. In the last two decades, however, new MNEs from emerging, upper-middle-income, or oil-rich countries have followed completely different patterns of international expansion. In this paper we analyze the processes through which these firms became MNEs and to what extent we need a new theory to explain their international growth.
595 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the impact of financial, human, social, and cultural capital on students' intent to study abroad is explored, and a complex interplay between SES, accumulated pre-college capital, and capital acquired during the freshman year is analyzed.
Abstract: This study applies an integrated model of college choice to better describe students who do and do not intend to study abroad. Although internationalization through study abroad is widely touted as a preferred means of developing globally competent college graduates, very little is known about the factors that influence students’ predisposition to study abroad. This research explores the impact of financial, human, social, and cultural capital on students’ intent to study abroad. Analysis of data from the Wabash National Study of Liberal Arts Education (WNSLAE) demonstrates a complex interplay between SES, accumulated pre-college capital, and capital acquired during the freshman year. Important implications for national policy makers, senior administrators, study abroad professionals and higher education researchers are discussed.
416 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the widespread internationalization of SMEs, and specific factors that support their superior performance abroad, uncovering a collection of intangible capabilities that are especially salient to these firms and their growing international involvement and identifying international business competence as an intangible, overarching firm resource that engenders superior international performance in the international SME through case studies and a comprehensive literature review.
Abstract: The trend of increasing internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is noteworthy, because such firms typically have far fewer financial and tangible resources than large multinational enterprises As a result, international business is often more challenging for smaller firms In this study we investigate the widespread internationalization of SMEs, and specific factors that support their superior performance abroad We uncover a collection of intangible capabilities that are especially salient to these firms and their growing international involvement We identify international business competence (IBC) as an intangible, overarching firm resource that engenders superior international performance in the international SME Through case studies and a comprehensive literature review, we identify four dimensions of IBC We devise and assess a model that links IBC to SME international performance Results suggest that international orientation, international marketing skills, international innovativeness, and international market orientation are all significant dimensions of IBC, and that IBC is instrumental in SME international performance We discuss resultant findings and offer managerial implications
372 citations
08 Apr 2009-Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences-revue Canadienne Des Sciences De L Administration
334 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the role of existing network relationships in the international development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and found that existing relationships are there to provide linkages with and facilitate entry into psychically and geographically close markets.
303 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a case study of eight SMEs operating in knowledge-based industries in Australia found that firms with little or no prior international knowledge tend to make use of opportunity discovery rather than deliberate/systematic search.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to complement existing theories of internationalization by studying an important aspect which has been neglected in previous studies: the process of international entrepreneurial opportunity recognition. International market entry is conceptualized as an entrepreneurial, innovative act; and opportunity recognition consists of both discovery as well as deliberate and systematic search.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology employed involves eight case studies of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in knowledge‐based industries in Australia. The unit of analysis is the “opportunity‐firm” nexus.Findings – The paper finds that firms with little or no prior international knowledge tend to make use of opportunity discovery rather than deliberate/systematic search. In contrast, firms with extensive prior international experience and knowledge were found to deliberately search and discover their first international opportunity. International opportunity discovery d...
300 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore internationalization and export growth over time in a sample of 135 small manufacturing firms, using concepts and arguments from literature on international business and international trade.
Abstract: In this paper we explore internationalization and export growth over time in a sample of 135 small manufacturing firms. By using concepts and arguments from literature on international business and ...
297 citations
TL;DR: Using longitudinal data on 206 Indian pharmaceutical firms from 1995--2004, it is found that firms' access to international technological and financial resources enables product market internationalization, and predictions that the association between international resources and markets is conditioned by time and business group affiliation are theorized and found support.
Abstract: This article investigates how Indian pharmaceutical firms, facing discontinuous institutional changes in their domestic environment due to economic liberalization and intellectual property reforms, have undertaken organizational transformation. Internationalization of resources and product markets constitutes an important component of organizational transformation for local firms in emerging economies. Using longitudinal data on 206 Indian pharmaceutical firms from 1995--2004, we find that firms' access to international technological and financial resources enables product market internationalization. Furthermore, we theorize and find support for our predictions that the association between international resources and markets is conditioned by time and business group affiliation, and product market internationalization affects financial performance. Several implications thus emerge for theory and practice associated with the sources of competitiveness in emerging economy firms and their transformation into globally competitive multinational firms.
275 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provided empirical evidence about born-global firms in the software industry of Costa Rica, a small developing country with an open economy, based on data collected through interviews with CEOs or founders of 40 Costa Rican software companies.
Abstract: This paper provides empirical evidence about born-global firms in the software industry of a small developing country with an open economy: Costa Rica. The paper is based on data collected through interviews with CEOs or founders of 40 Costa Rican software companies. Findings show that there are few born-global firms among Costa Rican software providers. We find that most companies followed a gradual approach to internationalization, and they did not export immediately upon birth. A careful analysis of firms that exported soon after they were born reveals that most firms are actually “born regional.”
273 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the role of international entrepreneurship and innovation in small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) internationalisation, also touching on the role the firm size as a proxy of resources in the SME internationalisation process.
Abstract: Purpose – The current study aims to examine the role of international entrepreneurship and innovation in small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) internationalisation, also touching on the role of the firm size as a proxy of resources in the SME internationalisation process. The study seeks to look at these issues in the context of manufacturing firms, arguing that entrepreneurial SMEs pursuing international market entry undertake organisational innovation, which in turn enables such firms to achieve higher marketplace performance.Design/methodology/approach – The paper was based on the development and administration of a self‐completed survey of 302 managers.Findings – The results suggest that international SMEs differ from non‐international SMEs in terms of international entrepreneurship, organisational innovation intensity and firm size.Research limitations/implications – The cross‐sectional research design and the regional nature of the sampled firms may limit the generalisability of the findings. The m...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate the impact of business group affiliation on the relationship between international diversification and firm performance for emerging economy firms and find that firm performance is positively related to the degree of internationalization.
Abstract: We investigate the impact of business group affiliation on the relationship between international diversification and firm performance for emerging economy firms. We develop the theoretical arguments based on an integration of the literature on international diversification with the institutional theory perspective. We argue for a U-shaped relationship between international diversification and firm performance, and suggest that a firm's affiliation to a business group moderates the relationship between international diversification and firm performance. Based on a sample of Indian firms, we find that firm performance is positively related to the degree of internationalization, while business group affiliation reduces the positive effect of internationalization on firm performance.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the value of the strategic flexibility provided by firms' international investments during an economic crisis, defined here as an unanticipated significant downturn in the economy, and found that firms with real options investments in place have a greater ability to flexibly adapt their overall operations in line with unforeseen negative environmental change.
Abstract: This study investigates the value of the strategic flexibility provided by firms’ international investments during an economic crisis, defined here as an unanticipated significant downturn in the economy. To avoid below-par performance, firms need to adapt quickly to this significant change in their environment, making real options very valuable to them. Although firms’ international investments can potentially provide such flexibility, this issue has not been empirically examined in a context of such dramatic negative change. We consider two types of international investments by firms in this regard, foreign direct investments and export-related international investments, developing two measures that directly assess the flexibility derived from each that are new to the literature. Based on these measures, we find evidence that both types of international investments provided valuable flexibility for Korean firms during the economic crisis conditions. This study contributes to the literature by showing that firms with real options investments in place have a greater ability to flexibly adapt their overall operations in line with unforeseen negative environmental change, in contrast to firms without such investments. Copyright 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors hypothesize and find evidence that offshore outsourcing of administrative and technical services by SMEs is associated with greater extent and scope of internationalization of sales, and that this enhances international competitiveness by enabling SMEs to reduce costs, expand relational ties, serve customers more effectively, free up scarce resources, and leverage capabilities of foreign partners.
Abstract: Scholars typically view offshore outsourcing as a means of reducing the cost of manufacturing activities for large corporations, yet offshore outsourcing may entail administrative and technical services, and may include activities outsourced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Drawing on research in international entrepreneurship and services, we hypothesize and find evidence that offshore outsourcing of administrative and technical services by SMEs is associated with greater extent and scope of internationalization of sales. Offshore outsourcing enhances international competitiveness by enabling SMEs to reduce costs, expand relational ties, serve customers more effectively, free up scarce resources, and leverage capabilities of foreign partners.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors outline the quantitative and qualitative patterns of internationalization activity of Chinese and Indian firms, identify factors that motivate these firms to invest overseas, and describe the internationalization strategies they have adopted.
Abstract: The recent corporate evolution of China and India has been characterized by increased internationalization of firms in the form of significant outward foreign direct investment flows and overseas mergers and acquisitions. To provide a context for the papers in this ICC special issue 18:2 (2009), we outline the quantitative and qualitative patterns of internationalization activity of Chinese and Indian firms, identify factors that motivate these firms to invest overseas, and describe the internationalization strategies they have adopted.
TL;DR: This paper proposed a multidimensional index of regional and global orientation that can be used in confirmatory studies with econometric methodologies and showed that large multinationals follow home region oriented internationalization paths, although much of the regional effect reported by previous studies in fact reflects strong home country biases.
Abstract: This paper proposes a multidimensional index of regional and global orientation that can be used in confirmatory studies with econometric methodologies. Unlike extant measures, the index is objectively scaled, and controls for home country orientation and market size differences. The index is shown to be consistent with models of internationalization that incorporate different assumptions about investment choice and global competition. Preliminary results show that large multinationals follow home region oriented internationalization paths, although much of the regional effect reported by previous studies in fact reflects strong home country biases.
TL;DR: In this paper, a theoretical framework to analyze post-massification challenges in higher education is proposed, with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region as well as global issues, and some discussion of the possible effects of the financial crisis that commenced in 2008 is provided.
Abstract: With rapid socio-economic changes, twenty-first century higher education is facing major challenges to its governance systems, curriculum, mission focus, external relations, research, and financing. A theoretical framework to analyze these post-massification challenges is suggested, with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region as well as global issues. Five main topic areas provide the basis for the theoretical framework: massification, privatization, accountability and governance, internationalization, and ranking and world-class universities. Some discussion of the possible effects of the financial crisis that commenced in 2008 is provided.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a model to integrate the influence of knowledge on international behavior based on proposals taken from the literature on organizational learning in multinational companies, which comprises several phases: prior knowledge; acquisition of new knowledge; integration of both sets of knowledge; action and feedback.
TL;DR: This article used Bourdieu's theory of pruning to leverage individual experiences and institutional environments to pursue international markets, and found that entrepreneurs working across multiple countries leverage individual experience and institutional environment to leverage international markets.
Abstract: How do entrepreneurs working across multiple countries leverage individual experiences and institutional environments to pursue international markets? This research utilizes Bourdieu's theory of pr...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine interrelationships between R&D, exporting and growth of newly listed firms in the UK, Germany, Italy and France, using panel data for 1110 IPOs during the period 1985-2004.
Abstract: The initial public offering (IPO) is an important stage in the life cycle of privately held and entrepreneurial firms. For innovative firms eager to capitalize on their technological advances, an IPO represents a springboard for a rapid international expansion of sales. However, there is little research on the longer-term, post-IPO strategic evolution of newly listed companies, including their internationalization. We build on international entrepreneurship and dynamic capabilities perspectives and examine interrelationships between R&D, exporting and growth of newly listed firms in the UK, Germany, Italy and France. Using panel data for 1110 IPOs during the period 1985–2004, we found that R&D intensity is an important antecedent factor for internationalization of sales. Both R&D and export intensities have a positive effect on the sales growth of newly listed firms. However, R&D intensity is path dependent, and is determined by levels of accumulated intangible assets and debt. In terms of time dynamics, the growth of IPO firms is at its highest level just after the float, whereas export intensity increases as IPO firms mature. We conclude that managers and IPO investors need to take into account not only growth opportunities but also past innovation strategies and financial constraints on managers' strategic choices.
TL;DR: In this paper, a post-colonization analysis of international students is proposed to consider what forms of pedagogic responsibility are called forth through this framework, and the authors show that routing care and responsibility through postcolonial geographies incites a more demanding political praxis.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide a characterization of the internationalization of European universities and discuss the role of the State in promoting greater internationalization and competitiveness levels of prominent national universities, arguing that public funding and support is critical if countries want to have national prominent universities competing at global level.
Abstract: This article provides a characterization of the internationalization of “global” European universities and discusses the role of the State in promoting greater internationalization and competitiveness levels of prominent national universities. The analysis supports previous arguments stating that global ranking of universities is strongly based on research, but reveals that the internationalization of research universities’ student population is also arranged to enhance research capacity. This finding is further reinforced by a positive association between the internationalization of the academic staff and the internationalization of the student population in one of those universities, being this association particularly strong with the doctoral student population. Finally, based on the analysis of two prominent national universities with different global competitiveness levels, we discuss the role of the State as a central supporter of these universities internationalization and global competitiveness arguing that public funding and support is critical if countries want to have national prominent universities competing at global level.
TL;DR: The authors investigated both internal and external sources of international knowledge for 206 new ventures and found that new ventures with limited internationally experienced top management teams benefi ted most from external international knowledge sources.
Abstract: International knowledge is a key intangible resource for international entrepreneurship. Yet, given the liabilities of newness and foreignness, how do new ventures obtain international knowledge? In this study, we draw on the knowledge-based view to investigate both internal and external sources of international knowledge for 206 new ventures. The fi ndings suggest international knowledge may be sourced externally, including from alliance partners, venture capital fi rms, and fi rms in close proximity. Interestingly, and contrary to absorptive capacity arguments, new ventures with limited internationally experienced top management teams benefi ted most from external international knowledge sources. Copyright © 2009 Strategic Management Society.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors hypothesize and find that emphasizing international sales while restricting exports to a few foreign markets results in superior perceived export performance for the sample of small firms from Greece and several Caribbean countries.
Abstract: What key factors result in superior export performance for small firms from small countries? Drawing on the internationalization process model and organizational learning theory, the authors hypothesize and find that (1) emphasizing international sales while (2) restricting exports to a few foreign markets results in superior perceived export performance for the sample of small firms from Greece and several Caribbean countries. Emphasizing international sales while focusing on a few markets enables small firms to develop expertise in those markets, build strong distribution networks, and manage export activities effectively.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors hypothesize and find that emphasizing international sales while restricting exports to a few foreign markets results in superior perceived export performance for the sample of small firms from Greece and several Caribbean countries.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate born global (BG) business organizations that seek superior performance from or near their founding, based on a multi-case analysis of interviews conducted with five BG enterprises in which it evaluates, compares and contrasts the views of owner founders.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate born global (BG) business organizations that (from or near their founding) seek superior performance.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology is based on a multi‐case analysis of interviews conducted with five BG enterprises in which it evaluates, compares and contrasts the views of owner founders.Findings – It seems clear to the authors that organizational structure, the entrepreneurial processes adopted in creating firms, as well as marketing and learning orientation are all crucial ingredients in the successful early internationalization of enterprises from emerging economies.Originality/value – Although there are a number of studies on BG firms and a well‐developed literature on entrepreneurial marketing, to the best of the knowledge, this is one of the earliest studies evaluating the synergetic effect of entrepreneurial marketing and issues that arise from the commingling of organisational dynamics, resources and the performance of small‐ and...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider the complex relations of transnational academic mobility, internationalization and interculturality in higher education and offer critical reflections on the new world of mobilities and interculturalities and the new strangers in the university.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to consider the complex relations of transnational academic mobility, internationalization and interculturality in higher education. It is argued that, in the contemporaneous relations of the triad, ‘interculturality’ disappears and the other two – transnational academic mobility and internationalization – are both enclosed by the market. The contemporary condition and pattern of transnational academic mobility are also shaped by neoliberal policy and market‐framed research competition. This paper offers some critical reflections on the new world of mobilities and interculturalities and the ‘new strangers’ in the university.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the family-related factors that have an impact on the international commitment level of Spanish family businesses and found that long-term vision and the presence of nonfamily managers are positively related to entry modes involving stronger international commitment, although self-financing limits this commitment.
Abstract: Few studies have dealt with family businesses and internationalization theories. The aim of this article is to bridge this gap by examining the family-related factors that have an impact on the international commitment level of these companies. From a sample of Spanish family firms, findings show that long-term vision and the presence of nonfamily managers are positively related to entry modes involving stronger international commitment, although self-financing limits this commitment.
TL;DR: The internationalization of policies and politics is catching the attention of a growing number of scholars in the field of international political economy and comparative public policy as mentioned in this paper, and it has attracted the interest of many researchers.
Abstract: The internationalization of policies and politics is catching the attention of a growing number of scholars in the field of international political economy and comparative public policy (Knill, 200...
TL;DR: In this article, a case study of internationalization processes currently underway in the School of Architecture and Allied Arts at the University of Oregon is presented, focusing on mapping internationalization, addressing barriers to internationalization and improving structures and systems to enhance internationalization.
Abstract: In this era of globalization, internationalization—both as an idea and an agenda—is receiving widespread attention at academic institutions across North America Although faculty are necessarily key participants in initiatives to internationalize academia, surprisingly little work has been published that addresses the roles, responsibilities, and problems faced by the faculty on an operational level This article has been written to provide administrators with some insight into faculty perspectives on the goals, strategies, and processes of internationalization The authors present a case study of internationalization processes currently underway in the School of Architecture and Allied Arts at the University of Oregon They discuss a faculty-driven approach that focused on mapping internationalization, addressing barriers to internationalization, and improving structures and systems to enhance internationalization An in-depth critical analysis of the case leads to recommendations and a framework for navigating diverse tensions and responsibilities implicit in an internationalization imperative