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Small Firm Internationalization ¨C A Developing Country Perspective

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  • Tendy Matenge

Abstract

This study investigates small firm internationalization from a developing country perspective. Despite the vast literature on small firm internationalization, the differences that exist between developing countries and developed countries remain unexplored. Therefore, current theories are influenced by processes and practices in developed countries, which are then applied blindly to developing countries. This study therefore asks: What are the factors that owners/managers in developing countries understand to influence the scope and pace of internationalization of their small firms? An interpretive approach is adopted to explore the factors that influence internationalization of small firms from developing countries. Consequently, case data from four Botswana firms were collected and analyzed. The literature review and case studies are used to propose a framework of a small firm internationalization from a developing country. The framework identifies major factors that influence small firm internationalization in this context as being; national\entrepreneurial culture, government policies, networks, innovative products, market knowledge and commitment.

Suggested Citation

  • Tendy Matenge, 2011. "Small Firm Internationalization ¨C A Developing Country Perspective," International Journal of Business Administration, International Journal of Business Administration, Sciedu Press, vol. 2(4), pages 103-111, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:jfr:ijba11:v:2:y:2011:i:4:p:103-111
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    Cited by:

    1. Josée St-Pierre & Martine Boutary & Tinasoa Razafindrazaka & Marie-Christine Monnoyer, 2017. "Économies en developpement et internationalisation des PME : le cas de Madagascar," Post-Print hal-01703465, HAL.
    2. Musa Abdu & Babangida Muhammad Musa & Adamu Jibir, 2022. "Firm-level study of the drivers of internationalization of small- and medium-scale enterprises in Sub-Saharan Africa," SN Business & Economics, Springer, vol. 2(6), pages 1-25, June.
    3. Farhad Uddin Ahmed & Louis Brennan, 2021. "A review of methodological diversity within the domain of international entrepreneurship," Journal of International Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 19(2), pages 256-299, June.

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