M. Cristina Stoian, Alex Rialp, Josep Rialp and Robin Jarvis
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the internationalisation of small firms from a Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) country with an emerging market economy, while…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the internationalisation of small firms from a Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) country with an emerging market economy, while accounting for the constantly changing institutional framework as well as resource (un)availability which may influence their involvement in foreign market operations. In doing so, it supports the applicability of the revised Uppsala internationalisation process model (2009), which highlights the key role of networks for international activity.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on a qualitative approach leading to multiple case studies. The main source of data is semi-structured, in-depth interviews conducted within six small firms.
Findings
The revisited Uppsala model proves to be generally valid for the small firms analysed in this study. Networks play a crucial role for knowledge creation and exchange, and frequently represent the most reliable resource at firms’ disposal. Trust is an indispensable ingredient that shapes network relationships. Institutional changes acted as push factors for small firms’ internationalisation.
Research limitations/implications
Policy-makers and entrepreneurs should direct their efforts at encouraging international network building and the formation of partnerships. Specific policy-driven actions should facilitate the connection between (international) entrepreneurs and potential foreign business partners.
Originality/value
This study brings insights to the revised Uppsala model, particularly considering the continuous and relatively rapid changes within the institutional environment that interact with the experiential learning curve and resource accumulation and subsequent commitment to foreign markets. Furthermore, it is one of the few studies that address the internationalisation of small firms from a CEE economy.
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Despite the importance of foreign market entry mode (FMEM) decisions for the internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), there is insufficient understanding…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the importance of foreign market entry mode (FMEM) decisions for the internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), there is insufficient understanding of the knowledge types and sources necessary for such decisions. This study addresses this issue by investigating the knowledge configurations that underpin FMEM initial choices and subsequent changes in SMEs.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted an interpretive approach and analysed empirical data from 37 in-depth interviews with decision-makers in internationalised SMEs from the United Kingdom.
Findings
The findings reveal that different knowledge configurations drive FMEM decisions in SMEs. Based on the analysis conducted for this study, initial FMEM choices draw on prior experiential knowledge combined with knowledge from desk research and knowledge acquired from peers, competitors and international partners. However, unlike many previous contributions, this research shows that foreign market experiential knowledge does not influence mode changes. Within-mode changes rely mainly on mode-specific knowledge and on knowledge about exploiting the benefits of the internet and digital platform ecosystems. Conversely, between-mode changes draw on diverse knowledge that is frequently created in interaction with international stakeholders or acquired externally.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the SME internationalisation literature by highlighting the knowledge configurations that inform not only initial choices but also between- and within-mode changes. Moreover, it reveals the importance of distinct types of digital technology-based knowledge for facilitating mode changes. It also adds to the knowledge-based perspective by underscoring that dynamic and heterogenous knowledge configurations, often created in interaction with international stakeholders, promote firm internationalisation.
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Sharifah Faridah Syed Alwi, John M.T. Balmer, Maria-Cristina Stoian and Philip J. Kitchen
This study aims to investigate how marketing communication (MC) and nascent corporate communication (CC) strategies are juxtaposed in the small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate how marketing communication (MC) and nascent corporate communication (CC) strategies are juxtaposed in the small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) setting.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research method based on a multiple case study approach is elaborated in a South-East Asian emerging economy.
Findings
The key findings show that MC and nascent CC strategies coexist in SMEs, and are frequently closely interwoven, enabling the introduction of an integrated hybrid communication (IHC) theoretical perspective in this context. Four requisites inform IHC management: communicate the identity/roots; establish and communicate the relationship with multiple stakeholders; communicate the product/service to customers; and communicate other activities of the firm (e.g. corporate social responsibility and brand identity). SME managers were predisposed to use at least three communication channels among the following: advertising, sales promotion, public relations, direct marketing and/or personal selling. Furthermore, managers generally preferred internet-enabled communication.
Research limitations/implications
This study provides fresh insights into how SMEs could integrate their communication strategies to increase their survival chances and business growth. However, the need to develop SMEs is required in every economy. Thus, the present findings could be seen as relevant to various audiences (academic, practitioners and/or policy-makers) such as for managers from Western and/or European settings who are interested in operating in the Malaysian economy.
Practical implications
By using the four requisites that inform IHC, owners/managers of SMEs can adopt a more holistic approach, by strategically planning communication activities using both communication typologies (i.e. product and firm level). Thus, SMEs will be able to enhance clarity and consistency in their communication strategy and achieve brand equity across relevant stakeholders in the long run.
Originality/value
This study introduces the IHC theoretical perspective and reveals the communication tools used by SMEs to communicate product and brand-related messages to multiple stakeholders. These messages tend to stem from and are shaped by the identity/roots of the firm embedded in managerial personality/values.
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Emanuela Rondi, Francesco Debellis, Cristina Bettinelli and Alfredo De Massis
The authors develop a systematic literature review of research on family multinationals, i.e. firms owned by one or more families that engage in foreign direct investments (FDIs)…
Abstract
Purpose
The authors develop a systematic literature review of research on family multinationals, i.e. firms owned by one or more families that engage in foreign direct investments (FDIs). Building on the examination of past and current research, the authors develop an integrative framework and identify directions to advance this area of research.
Design/methodology/approach
Coherently with recommendations for systematic literature reviews, the authors developed and followed a systematic search protocol, selecting and reviewing 92 articles on family multinationals published from 1991 to 2021. The authors then identified the most recurrent and emerging themes in these studies to build an integrative framework.
Findings
In recent years, the literature on family firm internationalization has grown exponentially, and with it the focus on family multinationals. However, the study of family multinationals has many theoretical and methodological shortcomings that have only allowed marginally appreciating their entrepreneurial aspects. In this study, the authors take stock to identify the critical knowledge gaps and motivate future researchers to fill this breach.
Originality/value
In conducting the first systematic literature review of family multinationals, the authors provide an integrative account of current knowledge, develop a reconciling framework and identify directions for future research.
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Fabiane Fidelis Querino, Cristina Lelis Leal Calegario and Larissa Cristina Ribeiro e Souza
The objective of this study is to verify the role of national mechanisms of social empowerment in driving the development of the multidimensional nature of absorptive capacity at…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this study is to verify the role of national mechanisms of social empowerment in driving the development of the multidimensional nature of absorptive capacity at the national level, as a way of fostering innovation and economic prosperity for Latin American countries.
Design/methodology/approach
This research encompasses the 20 countries that make up the Latin American region. A Tobit model was used with censored data, in a panel format. The adoption of this model was necessary due to the characteristic of the dependent variable (national absorptive capacity) being an index that varies in the range of 1 to 7. The time horizon covers the period from 2006 to 2021.
Findings
The results show that the degree of economic development, institutions and locally developed innovation are the mechanisms for generating the multidimensional nature of the absorptive capacity of Latin American countries. The innovative base of the countries was the most significant variable and the biggest parameter to explain this relationship. This means that given the preexisting innovative capacity of these countries, it is possible to stimulate and increase the national absorptive capacity through this mechanism.
Originality/value
The originality of this article consists in analyzing the national mechanisms of social empowerment in the development of the multidimensional nature of absorptive capacity, which allows us to verify all the sources of absorptive capacity creation that can be transformed into innovation.
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Esteban Lafuente, Maria-Cristina Stoian and Josep Rialp
The purpose of this paper is to examine export behaviour from a broad perspective considering the influence of entrepreneurial attributes on export entry, export sustainability…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine export behaviour from a broad perspective considering the influence of entrepreneurial attributes on export entry, export sustainability and de-internationalisation in Romanian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Design/methodology/approach
Based on theoretical underpinnings from the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm and the Institutional Economics (IE) framework, the proposed hypotheses are tested with a rich survey data set of 319 Romanian SMEs. The data are analysed by means of a multinomial logit regression.
Findings
The study reveals that exporting is not a single event and that variables commonly used to study export propensity linked to the entrepreneurial attributes have a differential influence over the export decisions. More concretely, export entry is positively impacted by the presence of management studies and an entrepreneurial team while sustainment in the international arena is strongly and positively influenced by decision-makers’ prior labour experience. De-internationalisation is explained by the entrepreneurs’ fear of business failure. The conclusions of this study point towards a holistic view of export policy making revealing relevant implications for SMEs’ internationalisation.
Originality/value
This study enriches the international business literature by simultaneously examining different export decisions, namely export initiation, sustainability and de-internationalisation, at the SMEs’ level in a Central and Eastern European (CEE) emerging market. The paper also highlights the dynamic character of entrepreneurial resources and suggests that at distinct stages in the international development of a SME, different entrepreneurial attributes may play a significant role.
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João Soares, Fernando Romero, Manuel Lopes Nunes and Ana Cristina Braga
In the realm of innovation systems and technology transfer (TT), the emergence of open innovation and complex market dynamics has amplified innovation intermediaries’ prominence…
Abstract
Purpose
In the realm of innovation systems and technology transfer (TT), the emergence of open innovation and complex market dynamics has amplified innovation intermediaries’ prominence of their role and involvement in TT projects. This study delves into private consultants’ involvement in TT projects, namely in what got them involved by the project’s key stakeholders.
Design/methodology/approach
An iterative two-phased research approach was followed, including exploratory interviews and a quantitative case study of a consultancy firm engaged in 219 TT projects.
Findings
Five main key motivators were found to lead TT stakeholders to involve private consultants in their TT projects, being the most relevant, the proactivity of private consultants.
Originality/value
The case study and results provide an alternative perspective of TT endeavours, emphasising the importance given by TT stakeholders (mostly recipient companies) to private consultants’ involvement as innovation intermediaries.
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Cristina I.M.A.S. Fernandes, João J.M Ferreira, Carla Azevedo Lobo and Mario Raposo
A key point in the internationalisation process of companies comes with the choice of international market. Following this choice, the results companies may thereby obtain help in…
Abstract
Purpose
A key point in the internationalisation process of companies comes with the choice of international market. Following this choice, the results companies may thereby obtain help in measuring their level of international performance. This study aims to measure the impact of internationalisation processes in keeping with company market orientations (MOs) through measuring their effect on international performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors obtained the data from a questionnaire sent out by email to a total of 8,103 exporting companies and/or with interests in exporting (the study population) registered in the AICEP-Portugal Global database that provided the email addresses of the company representatives responsible for internationalisation. The authors received a total of 320 valid responses (sample).
Findings
The results display a positive MO effect both on internationalisation processes and on international performance. The authors also note the importance of studying the influence of strategic orientations on internationalization processes, motivated by the particular SME’s characteristics.
Originality/value
The authors aim to contribute to the study of the influence of the MO, both upstream and downstream, thus seeking to verify its impact on internationalization processes.