International Expansion of Family Firms in the Arab World

2022 ◽  
Vol Prépublication (0) ◽  
pp. 30-XXIX
Author(s):  
Soeren Frerich ◽  
Mariateresa Torchia ◽  
Andrea Calabrò
2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 180-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Velez-Ocampo ◽  
Karthik Govindan ◽  
Maria Alejandra Gonzalez-Perez

Purpose This theory testing paper compares and analyzes the internationalization process of two Mexican family-owned firms: Xignux and Grupo Alfa. This paper is intended to offer a theoretical understanding using existing frameworks such as OLI (ownership, location and internationalization), LLL (linkage, leverage and learning) and the Uppsala model. Furthermore, it tests whether the theoretical framework of organizational capabilities and international ventures fits the internationalization of these companies. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on case study methodology using the companies’ publically available data. Both within-case and cross-case analysis were carried out to identify specific traits in the internationalization pattern of both firms; cases were also compared with literature to identify conflicts and similarities that enable a better understanding of the phenomenon. Findings It was found that not a single theory fully and satisfactorily explains the internationalization of both Xignux and Alfa, instead, issues like internationalization into low psychic distance countries, establishment of strategic alliances and the exploitation of locational-specific advantages contributed in the international expansion of the studied companies. Originality/value There is an increasing amount of available literature regarding internationalization strategies and internationalization theories applied to developing and emerging country firms. However, most of the studies analyze companies from Asia, and there are limited studies on multilatinas (i.e. Latin American multinationals). Furthermore, scholars in the field of international business are still debating whether the existing theories, or an adaptation of them, explain the internationalization of multilatinas.


Author(s):  
Marta Fernández-Olmos

This chapter examines the factors determining international expansion for a group of Spanish family SMEs. Internationalization is modelled taking into account both the decision to enter foreign markets and the degree of internationalization. This chapter uses the information provided by the Survey on Business Strategies in Spain, including 1,519 observations. The results indicate that the presence of the second generation in the family firm, the establishment of alliances with other firms, and some intangible resources (in particular, product innovations, and human resources) all positively influence the degree of internationalization. The results also indicate that the size and age of family firms are important factors in determining their international expansion.


2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Graves ◽  
Jill Thomas

Successful international expansion requires the managerial capabilities necessary to configure and leverage a firm's resources in the international marketplace. Because family firms can face unique challenges in building their managerial capabilities, the purpose of this study is to compare the managerial capabilities of family and nonfamily firms according to the degree of their internationalization. Using the most recently available longitudinal database of Australian small-to-medium-sized enterprises, the results of this study indicate that the managerial capabilities of family firms lag behind those of their nonfamily counterparts as they expand internationally, particularly at high levels of internationalization. The implications of the findings for research, policy, and practice are discussed.


Author(s):  
Massimiliano M. Pellegrini ◽  
Younis Abukhalaf ◽  
Damiano Petrolo

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-240
Author(s):  
Arindam Mondal ◽  
Sarada Devi Gadepalli

Despite increasing research on multinationals from emerging economies (EMNEs), our understanding of the antecedents of their international expansion is still limited. In this study, we seek to examine whether knowledge gained from operating in their complex and diverse domestic markets deter or aid the outward foreign direct investments of EMNEs. As family firms are dominant in emerging economies, we further explore how heterogeneity within family firms moderate this relationship. We conduct our investigations using a proprietary longitudinal dataset comprising 213 EMNEs from India featuring in the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) 500 index covering a six-year period from 2007-08 to 2012-13, of which 175 were family EMNEs and find supporting evidence for our theoretical predictions.


Author(s):  
Fauzia Jabeen ◽  
Syed Zamberi Ahmad ◽  
Saeed Alkaabi

International expansion epitomizes a vital strategic decision that family firms must go through to grow. However, limited research has been conducted on internationalization decision making in family businesses (FBs). Various disparities have been observed in the previous researches concerning the factors that affects and stimulate a FBs' decision making to internationalize. The purpose of this study is to analyze the internationalization pattern of FBs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a dynamic emerging economy in the Middle East region. A qualitative research approach was selected, and after a thorough review of the relevant literatures, the major factors affecting international decision making in FBs were identified. It was concluded that there are some common factors regarding international decision making in FBs in the UAE and the rest of the world, and some of the factors are unique to a specific country, industry, or product. Suggestions on how to move this field of study forward are also presented.


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