A multidimensional perspective of SME internationalization speed: The influence of entrepreneurial characteristics

Hsieh, Linda; Child, John; Narooz, Rose; Elbanna, Said; Karmowska, Joanna; Marinova, Svetla; Puthusserry, Pushyarag; Tsai, Terence; Zhang, Yunlu

Abstract

ABSTRACT (150 words max.) This paper applies the subjectivist theory and the resource-based view to examine the influence of entrepreneur and firm innovation characteristics on different dimensions of internationalization speed. It contributes to the ongoing debate by offering both theoretical and empirical support for a multidimensional perspective on internationalization speed. This perspective has previously been under-explored. Findings from a sample of 180 SMEs show that each dimension of internationalization speed is predicted by a different set of antecedents. Earliness of internationalization is strongly associated with R&D intensity, entrepreneurs’ international experience and their perception of better opportunities abroad. Deepening is strongly related to R&D intensity, exploration, entrepreneurs’ international experience and their aspiration to increase differentiation. Geographic diversity is strongly related to entrepreneurs’ international experience, their perception of an unfavourable domestic institutional environment, and their intention to increase differentiation vis-à-vis competitors. Entrepreneurs’ international experience is the strongest predictor of the speed of using diverse entry modes in international operations.

Citation

Hsieh, L., Child, J., Narooz, R., Elbanna, S., Karmowska, J., Marinova, S., Puthusserry, P., Tsai, T., & Zhang, Y. (2019). A multidimensional perspective of SME internationalization speed: The influence of entrepreneurial characteristics. International Business Review, 28(2), 268-283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2018.09.004

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 20, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Nov 1, 2018
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2019
• Deposit Date: Sep 27, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 27, 2018
• Journal: International Business Review
• Print ISSN: 0969-5931
• Electronic ISSN: 1873-6149
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 28
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 268-283
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2018.09.004
• Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Internationalization, SMEs, Earliness, Speed of deepening, Speed of geographic diversification