SME Internationalization: A Descriptive Review of Nontraditional Approaches (original) (raw)
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Improvisation, Bricolage, and Effectuation are examples of sense-making techniques often seen in the field of entrepreneurship. Original literature introduces these ideas with respect to decisionmaking problems faced by entrepreneurs. Most often, these are problems that deal with resource (land, labor, capital) sourcing, creation, development, and/or allocation. However, in the last few decades, new literature has surfaced that underlines the implications of these sense-making concepts for smalland medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro-enterprises. In particular, this literature discusses these ideas within the context of internationalization. Research indicates that SMEs and micro-enterprises can operate in an entrepreneurial manner, especially when making decisions. Several case studies indicate that when faced with decision-making problems, especially during foreign market selection (FMS) and foreign market entry (FME), SMEs and microenterprises employ the above sense-making ...
Internationalization of SMEs: Relevance of the Theories and Antecedents
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Scholars have paid close attention to developing several theories and models for the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises. These theories and models explain the firm strategic directions and gradual process of international expansion. This theoretical literature review aims to comprehensively examine the wide array of literature relating to theories and models of SME internationalization and the antecedents of internationalization. This study looks at the connections and contrasts between various internationalization theories and models, discusses their shortcomings, and provides theory-based insights to SMEs in understanding the internationalization process. Further, this paper examines the different antecedents of SME
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This study attempts to facilitate the future development of a more general theory relative to the nature of small business internationalization and provides a step toward a more holistic understanding of this process. More concretely, its general goal is to draw attention to this potential: the possibility of better examining this process -and developing a more accurate explanation of it -by encouraging future writers to consider the consolidated contributions of four major streams of research in the international business literature: FDI theories, the stage models, entry-mode research and the network approach. Some relevant conclusions and implications are derived from this holistic approach.
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Studies on the internationalization process of SMEs have fascinated the attention of researchers around the world. The dynamics in the internationalization process of SMEs have attracted researchers' interest in analyzing the behavior and the factors that influence it with various theoretical approaches to contribute to the development of international business studies. This paper intended to provide an overview of the various theories applied in investigating SMEs' internationalization process. The review was conducted on 100 journal articles between 2013 and 2020. The investigation results show that 17 different theories have been identified in the internationalization process of SMEs and we classified them into five streams. Based on our findings, from those 17 theories, the five primary published theories in order are (1) Uppsala theory, (2) Network theory, (3) Resource-based theory, (4) international entrepreneurship theory, and (5) institutional theory. This study also provides suggestions and implications for future research.
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In this paper, a structured review was conducted to investigate the internationalisation process of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to define barriers and enablers and identify research gaps in this relevant field. Data were collected from two databases of scientific peer-reviewed articles (i.e., Scopus and Web of Science). After the selection process, 161 papers focusing on SMEs’ internalisation were analysed using both descriptive and content analysis. The analysis of the results highlights that SMEs’ internalisation is a growing research field, but different research gaps remain to be filled. These gaps concern barriers, impact on performance, models, and theories related to the different phases of the internationalisation process (e.g., start-up, early entrance, international growth). The future research directions identified interesting suggestions and guidelines for future researchers in the field of SMEs internationalisation.
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Journal of Entrepreneurship Business and Economics, 2013
Purpose-This study focuses on the main driving factors influencing the path (i.e. the decisionmaking process) of SMEs to internationalise and explains reasons for choosing different entry modes as strategy. The paper aims to gain a closer understanding of characteristics and challenges that SMEs experience in the early phase of internationalisation, and how its internationalisation practicesstrategiescontribute to their competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach-A theoretical framework based on a literature review is developed. Empirical results were gained from a qualitative approach based on case studies and cross-case analysis of three Tyrolean SMEs. Findings-Aspects that have been investigated by this study are key motivating drivers to internationalise and strategies applied. The paper highlights different approaches why and how SMEs undertake the process of internationalisation. Practical implications-An understanding of drivers and strategies to internationalisation offers entrepreneurs and small business managers the opportunity to shape and reflect on the development of their company. Outcome of this study reveals the importance of managers in understanding the changes in the business environment and in identifying key internal factors. Results provide practical mentoring to SMEs in similar situations in understanding the nature of the processes of an international expansion strategy. Originality/value-Internationalisation strategies are usually viewed in relation to large enterprises. This study considers SMEs in their approach to develop international strategies and market presence.
Journal of Entrepreneurship & Organization Management, 2016
This literature review is aimed at providing deeper insights into how the state of SMEs internationalisation proceeds overtime as well as what propels them to pursue internationalisation. Also, the synthetic study format which involves crucial review of various arguments from different researchers will be employed. This paper will begin by discussing how SMEs expand. The factors, motives and strategies that drive internationalisation of SMEs will be evaluated. Theoretical frameworks of SMEs internationalisation will be critically reviewed and the linkages between Scholar's assertions about theoretical frameworks and the business strategy of firms will be discussed.
Internationalization of SMEs: Finding A Way Ahead
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The emergence of multinational firms has been a distinct feature of globalization in the developing countries. Many of the emerging multinational firms are small and medium enterprises (SME), seeking to capitalize on their unique skills and capabilities and achieve rapid growth and diversify the sources of their revenue streams. SMEs have used their social capital to penetrate into foreign markets and acquire market share. However they are unable to observe the strategies behind internationalization processes of SMEs. As more and more firms enter the international business environment, there is increased competition. Technological advancements, declining trade barriers etc. are driving the world economy to become more and more integrated and this rapid globalization is enabling SMEs to become international in a quicker yet effective manner. Advancements in information technology and improvements in communication infrastructure have resulted in opportunities for SMEs to participate i...