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The influence of firm-specific and country-specific advantages in the internationalization of emerging market firms: Evidence from Turkey

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  • Yaprak, Attila
  • Yosun, Turkan
  • Cetindamar, Dilek

Abstract

This paper examines the role of institutional factors that enable firm- and country-specific drivers of emerging market (EM) firms’ internationalization based on case-based research conducted in one EM, Turkey. Findings indicate that 10 major factors comprised of firm-specific and country-specific advantages drove the focal case study firms abroad: the firm-specific factors ranged from financial and operations supremacy; excellence in value chain activities; inexpensive human resources; rapid learning capabilities in production and technology development; and adaptability to foreign markets; while the country-specific factors included home-government policies supporting internationalization; logistical advantages arising from geographical position; adaptability capabilities resulting from former survival through institutional voids; strong social ties formed through networks; and availability of low cost resources. These findings are discussed and future research questions are offered.

Suggested Citation

  • Yaprak, Attila & Yosun, Turkan & Cetindamar, Dilek, 2018. "The influence of firm-specific and country-specific advantages in the internationalization of emerging market firms: Evidence from Turkey," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(1), pages 198-207.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:iburev:v:27:y:2018:i:1:p:198-207
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ibusrev.2017.07.001
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