scholarly journals Local horizontal network membership for accelerated global market reach

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Ryan ◽  
Natasha Evers ◽  
Adele Smith ◽  
Svante Andersson
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Data ◽  
International Market ◽  
Foreign Market ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Born Global ◽  
Market Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Rich ◽  
Horizontal Networks ◽  
Horizontal Network

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explain how some born global firms can leverage the rich social capital in their local (home country) horizontal network for accelerated international market entry and growth. Horizontal networks warrant separate attention from their vertical counterparts, which, along with those focussed on external international contexts, dominate most network studies in the realm of born global research. Design/methodology/approach The study utilises a multi-level qualitative approach in the study of a multi-firm population of animators in Ireland that, due to the small domestic market for their product, needed to pursue global customers from inception. The case study domain was purposely selected as a critical exemplar of a local horizontal network operating in a highly globalised industry. The authors collected data through in-depth interviews with 16 company founders. This primary interview data were complemented by interviews with staff at the apposite industry association and triangulated with secondary data on the local and global industry conditions, members’ international successes and awards. Findings The results demonstrate how active membership of a local horizontal network can be leveraged for the acquisition of international market knowledge and customers for born global ventures. This arises from the sharing of collective market knowledge and communal global customer information within the network to mutual benefit. Originality/value Although limited by the specific conditions in this highly globalised, non-competitive industry context, this study is unique in that it finds that cooperative interpersonal and inter-firm relationships embedded in a local horizontal social network, and mediated in part by an institutional support actor, emerge as important levers for a born global’s accelerated acquisition of foreign market knowledge and of global customers.

A turnaround fuelled by transformational leadership

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayuree Sengupta
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Management Style ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Work Experiences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Rich

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand how Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the National Research Development Corporation, India, Hanumanthu Purushotham had facilitated a turnaround of the organization and ensured profitability during his tenure there. This is one of the series of interview-based studies that focuses on a South Asian CEO, with the goal of ascertaining his leadership and management style in a volatile situation. This brief paper expounds how leader traits and transformational leadership can positively impact an organizational turnaround and fuel growth.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses primary interviews and complements the findings with secondary data sources such as annual reports and management literature on leadership trait, transformational leadership and organizational turnaround.FindingsThe study found that socioeconomic factors have a bearing on leadership attributes. In this instance, the CMD's early years, diverse work experiences, bright traits and transformational leadership positively impacted organizational performance. Therefore, not only the qualifications but also the qualities of a leader are pivotal in shaping success of an organization.Originality/valueThe narrative provides an instance of how decision-making driven by strategic leadership can change firm performance. The rich experiences of the India-educated CMD, a government job holder all-through, provides a veteran's view to decision-making in a state-controlled firm and helps us understand how an organization can be transformed in a limited time and with scarce resources.

North Macedonian crisis spurs move to renewable energy

2022 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Power Plants ◽  
International Market ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Market Prices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Market Situation ◽  
The Government ◽  
Domestic Electricity ◽  
Health And Well Being

Significance Electricity companies wanted a near-38% rise amid soaring international market prices, but the ERC wanted to avoid a price shock. In November, the government declared an ‘energy crisis’ at the ERC’s request, thanks to reduced domestic electricity supply and the global market situation, and extended it in December for six months. Impacts Investment in infrastructure and technologies should contribute to economic growth and create jobs. Care will have to be taken that closing established mines and power plants do not depress economies locally and raise unemployment. Rising domestic utility prices will inflict political damage on a fragile government. Phasing out coal will improve air quality and population health and well-being, with knock-ons for healthcare priorities and spending.

The effect of foreign market knowledge on SME export performance: a study ofnon-traditional SMEs in Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aidatu Abubakari ◽  
Kwame Simpe Ofori ◽  
Henry Boateng ◽  
Koffi N’Da ◽  
Robert Ebo Hinson
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Export Performance ◽  
Foreign Market ◽  
Moderating Effect ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Market Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose It is well documented in the extant literature that knowledge plays a crucial role in small and medium enterprise (SME) internationalization. Exporting SMEs from developing economies faces many challenges, including lack of knowledge about institutions in foreign markets, inadequate knowledge about foreign institutions and limited internationalization knowledge (IK). However, research on the export performance of SMEs has thus far focused on the internationalization strategies of multinational corporations. This study aims to explore the effect of foreign market knowledge on SME export performance. The authors also assessed the moderating effect of employee absorptive capacity in the knowledge-performance nexus. Design/methodology/approach The authors adopted a survey design to collect data from owners/managers of SMEs exporters in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. A total of 350 questionnaires were distributed based on convenience. Of this number, 257 usable responses were used in the final analysis. The authors tested the proposed model using partial least squares-structural equation modeling. Findings The findings show that the three types of foreign market knowledge tested in this study, namely, foreign institutional knowledge (FIK), foreign business knowledge and IK have positive and significant effects on SME exporters’ performance. It also shows that employees’ absorptive capacity affects the relationship between FIK and SME exporters’ performance. Originality/value The study demonstrates the types of knowledge relevant to SME export performance. The study further demonstrates the moderating effect of employee absorptive capacity on the relationship between knowledge and export performance. The study advances existing knowledge on SME performance, especially from an emerging economy context.

Challenges for the Internationalization of SMEs and the Role of Government: The Case of Malaysia

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fariza Hashim
Keyword(s):  
International Market ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Emerging Countries ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Market Knowledge ◽  
Role Of Government ◽  
The Government ◽  
Malaysian Government

SMEs presence is significant nowadays to most economies, particularly those from emerging countries. The internationalization of these firms is no longer an option; it is indeed necessary for them to follow the wave of globalization. Despite of their constraints, Malaysian SMEs are struggling to expand into the international market and compete internationally to sustain their foothold in the country. Various factors have forced SMEs in Malaysia to engage internationally, however the ventures are arduous to be accomplished independently. As a result, the Malaysian government has initiated various efforts in supporting them to stand in the international arena. Many agencies have been established and numerous programs have been developed to encourage SMEs internationalization. This study aims to unfold the challenges faced by SMEs from emerging countries in expanding internationally by examining the business environment in the country. The study finds that, despite various supports offered by the government, Malaysian SMEs continue to struggle in the global market due various factors including market knowledge, technological and skills capabilities, and products quality.

Giving a fish or teaching to fish? Exploring the effects of home-country governmental support on foreign exit decisions

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 1181-1203
Author(s):  
Qun Tan ◽  
Carlos M.P. Sousa
Keyword(s):  
Financial Support ◽  
Home Country ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Foreign Market ◽  
Multiple Informants ◽  
Past Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Governmental Support ◽  
Support Mechanisms ◽  
The Impact

PurposeTo help firms with their international operations, governments often create policies and support mechanisms, but its influence on the firm's exit decision has so far been ignored. Hence, the purpose of this study is to examine the impact of home-country governmental support on the firm's exit decision.Design/methodology/approachThe authors test their conceptual model using multiple informants as well as secondary data from China. The sample consists of 360 valid questionnaires from 180 firms. Binary logistics regression is used to test the conceptual framework.FindingsBy demonstrating that resource-based and institutional constructs are highly dependent, the authors show how home-country governmental support interacts with the foreign affiliate's past performance to explain the decision to remain or exit a foreign market. The results indicate that while governmental financial support reduces the likelihood of exiting a poorly performing business in the foreign market, governmental non-financial support surprisingly has an opposite effect.Originality/valueWhile there has been an increasing number of firms exiting foreign markets, this area of research is still limited. The study also contributes to the literature by focusing on home-country governmental financial and non-financial support to explain the firm's exit decision – an issue that has been ignored and is expected to be particularly relevant for firms from emerging economies.

Ghana’s energy access journey so far: a review of key strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dramani Bukari ◽  
Francis Xavier Dery Tuokuu ◽  
Shafic Suleman ◽  
Ishmael Ackah ◽  
Godwin Apenu
Keyword(s):  
International Energy Agency ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Energy Access ◽  
Liquefied Petroleum Gas ◽  
Energy Agency ◽  
Policy Documents ◽  
Content Type ◽  
World Vision ◽  
The Poor ◽  
The Rich

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive review of the programmes being implemented with a view to ascertaining if they adequately address the energy needs of the poor more holistically and sustainably. Design/methodology/approach The content of this desktop review is based on information collected through a review of available energy policy documents from the Ghana Government and related governmental agencies, such as the Energy Commission and Ghana Statistical Services, international energy-related agencies, such as the International Energy Agency (World Vision, 2013), as well as other related web searches. Additionally, global and Sub-Saharan African energy access documents were reviewed by analysing secondary data from the World Bank and UN policy reports, statistical data, strategies, regulations, protocols and other related documents (World Vision, 2013). Furthermore, some policy documents on energy access and usage were explored mainly from Senegal and Ghana to ascertain governments’ policies, regulations and strategies in the implementation of energy access policies. Findings The paper offers all the various strategies being implemented in an attempt to establish a foothold on the problem of affording the poor with clean and affordable energies. The paper also presents the rich experiences of Senegal in its bid to see expanded access in liquefied petroleum gas usage by residential consumers. Originality/value The paper provides some policy and theoretical implications for improving Ghana’s energy access.

Forces influencing the speed of internationalisation

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry Langseth ◽  
Michele O'Dwyer ◽  
Claire Arpa
Keyword(s):  
Product Innovation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Foreign Market ◽  
International Markets ◽  
Tie Strength ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Market Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Vision ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This study applies Oviatt and McDougall’s (2005) model of forces influencing the speed of internationalisation to small, export oriented enterprises. The purpose of this paper is to explore the significance of the forces enabling, motivating, mediating and moderating internationalisation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the manner in which these forces manifest themselves in the market. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative research approach utilising eight case studies within Norway and Ireland was adopted in order to facilitate theory building required for this study. Findings – The findings demonstrate that four forces in particular are found to be strongly significant to the speed of internationalisation among the case SMEs: the enabling force of technology, the mediating force of entrepreneurial actor perceptions/owner-managers’ global vision and the moderating forces of foreign market knowledge and tie strength in networks. Practical implications – The empirical evidence has several implications for managers and policy regarding influencing the speed of internationalisation process. The enabling force (technology) has implications for government in their support of the SME macro environment. The motivating force (competition) has implications for government, in understanding what motivates entrepreneurs to enter international markets. The two moderating forces (foreign market knowledge and network tie strength) have implications for managers and can be leveraged through product innovation, increased focus on intellectual property rights for better protection against copycats, and through active and deliberate international networking. Originality/value – The paper suggests adjustments to Oviatt and McDougall’s (2005) model, permitting researchers to gain an in-depth understanding of the complex reality of SME internationalisation.

Collective internationalization – a new take off route for SMEs from China

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Sandberg ◽  
Hans Jansson
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Culture ◽  
Role Model ◽  
Economies Of Scale ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Foreign Market ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Local Market ◽  
Retail Market ◽  
Chinese Market ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the establishments of Chinese wholesale and retail market platforms in China and Europe, which create a new take-off route for SMEs from China, and to theorize on this as a new collective route to internationalization. Design/methodology/approach – An exploratory case study has been undertaken covering four Chinese market platforms: the role model in Yiwu, China, and the establishments in Warsaw, Poland; Budapest, Hungary; and Kalmar, Sweden. Findings – A new collective internationalization route is identified, driven by the collectivistic Chinese culture. Here Chinese SMEs diverge from traditionally suggested paths of internationalization, taking off independently from the domestic business network but form a joint market platform in the foreign market. This collective behavior compensates for the resource constraints of internationally inexperienced Chinese SMEs. From the market platform, they plug into the local market network and are provided with economies of scale and scope, ultimately making them internationally competitive. This collective route offers the potential for joint learning and risk reduction when entering distant markets in the early internationalization stages. Research limitations/implications – For Chinese SMEs, co-location in a market platform in foreign market offers the advantages of lowering institutional distance and uncertainty as the firms collectively handle these matters. A limitation of the study concerns the generalizability, as few cases are studied. Still, being an unstudied phenomena there are important empirical contributions to be made. Originality/value – The paper reports on an overlooked empirical phenomenon, namely the establishment of Chinese wholesale and retail market platforms in China and Europe. Through this establishment a new collective route into the global market by Chinese SMEs is identified and theorized.

Knowledge creation dynamics within the international new venture

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sascha Fuerst ◽  
Peter Zettinig
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
International Market ◽  
Process Research ◽  
New Venture ◽  
Internationalization Process ◽  
International New Venture ◽  
Process Data ◽  
Market Knowledge ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the dynamic process of knowledge creation of the international new venture (INV) through the interaction with network partners. The process of how INVs make use of external sources for the acquisition of international market knowledge is not well-understood. Design/methodology/approach – To uncover the dynamics of the knowledge creation process, the authors applied event-driven process research by following the internationalization process of four INVs in real time. More specifically, they adopted qualitative diary research combined with periodic follow-up interviews as the main data collection method. A visual mapping strategy was used for the analysis of the process data. Findings – The analysis shows that different pathways of knowledge acquisition through congenital learning, searching, vicarious learning and grafting interact with each other. Grafting and experiential learning alongside the partner lead to the acquisition of internationalization knowledge in particular. Knowledge sources for international market knowledge are proactively created by the entrepreneurs. The wider effectual stakeholder network constitutes an important source for international market knowledge. Research limitations/implications – The authors followed the early internationalization process of the case firm in real time over a 10-month period. This provides a limited window of observation. Future research might extend the observation period to examine further the evolutionary nature of the different learning types throughout the growth of the INV. The case firms operate in Internet-enabled businesses and are all located in the same country and city (i.e. Colombia and the city of Medellin). Future studies might focus on firms operating in different industries and geographical areas. Practical implications – Congenital technological knowledge is a prerequisite for internationalization. The entrepreneur, however, does not need to rely on congenital international market knowledge. Such knowledge can be developed through network partners. Foreign business and institutional knowledge can be obtained vicariously, also from professional advisors. Internationalization knowledge, however, needs to be developed in close interaction with an international cooperation partner, where a strong relationship commitment prevails. Originality/value – The authors use effectuation theory combined with process research methods to gain insights into the dynamics of knowledge creation within the INV. Thereby, they are able to shed light on the dynamics of the process that is difficult to capture through cross-sectional research designs. Research on the internationalization process of young ventures in the context of Latin America is scarce. Therefore, the paper contributes new knowledge about the development of these firms in that particular region.

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