Nonlinear internationalization: a neglected topic in international business research

Abstract

International business (IB) research has mostly concentrated on two forms of internationalization: the gradual/step-by-step approach, and the “international new venture”/“born global” approach. The existence of nonlinearity – substantial “jumps” in international intensity – has received relatively modest attention. This paper addressed nonlinear internationalization processes: partial and complete de- and re-internationalization and the internationalization of born-again globals and born-again internationals. It concludes that nonlinear internationalization is neither an irregular deviation nor an exceptional case of linear internationalization but that linear internationalization is an exceptional case of nonlinear internationalization.

Citation

Vissak, T. (2010), "Nonlinear internationalization: a neglected topic in international business research", Timothy, D., Torben, P. and Laszlo, T. (Ed.) The Past, Present and Future of International Business & Management (Advances in International Management, Vol. 23), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 559-580. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1571-5027(2010)00000230029