Exporting by experiential knowledge: a study of emerging market micro firms
International Marketing Review
ISSN: 0265-1335
Article publication date: 6 July 2018
Issue publication date: 23 August 2018
Abstract
Purpose
Relying on the theoretical lens of a knowledge-based view, the purpose of this study is to explore the sources and roles of experiential knowledge in the rapid internationalisation of an emerging market-based micro export firms (EMMFs).
Design/methodology/approach
This is an inductive theory building study, which attempts to understand the “how” and “why” questions. In so doing, the study used nine micro export firms operating in the handicrafts sector of Nepal.
Findings
The findings suggest that internationalisation of resource-poor EMMFs relies on the entrepreneurs’ experiential knowledge, which is mainly acquired through prior experience, social networks and participation in international trade-fairs.
Research limitations/implications
This study contributes by formulating a number of propositions on the sources and roles of experiential knowledge, which could be tested in pursuit of theory building on micro firms’ internationalisation based in emerging markets.
Originality/value
The paper advances an understanding on the patterns of firms’ internationalisation, and discusses EMMFs’ possibilities to emerge as a faster internationalising firm, so-called “born globals”.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Associate Editor Susan Freeman and anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments throughout the review process. The paper benefited from discussion at the internal seminar organised in Nord University Business School. The authors would like to thank colleagues at the Nord University Business School, especially Nhien Nguyen and Tadeu Nogueira.
Citation
Tiwari, S.K. and Korneliussen, T. (2018), "Exporting by experiential knowledge: a study of emerging market micro firms", International Marketing Review, Vol. 35 No. 5, pp. 833-849. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMR-01-2016-0002
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited