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Alibaba: Entrepreneurial growth and global expansion in B2B/B2C markets

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  • Syed Tariq Anwar

    (West Texas A&M University)

Abstract

The purpose of this case-based research is to analyze and discuss Alibaba Group (hereafter Alibaba) and its entrepreneurial growth and global expansion in B2B/B2C markets. The paper uses company and industry-specific data and surveys to analyze a fast growing Chinese B2B/B2C firm and its internationalization and expansion in global markets. Findings of the work reveal that in a short time, Alibaba has become a major entrepreneurial icon and global player and continues to grow worldwide because of its well-planned business initiatives and B2B/B2C-based business models. The paper also provides implications in the area of international entrepreneurship and its related areas. International entrepreneurs need to learn from Alibaba’s fast growing business model and dynamic growth because of its competitive platforms and Web-based strategies which helped the company to target small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in global markets. Within the areas of international entrepreneurship and international business, the paper also provides discussion which deals with the changing e-commerce industry and its future growth and developments.

Suggested Citation

  • Syed Tariq Anwar, 2017. "Alibaba: Entrepreneurial growth and global expansion in B2B/B2C markets," Journal of International Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 15(4), pages 366-389, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jinten:v:15:y:2017:i:4:d:10.1007_s10843-017-0207-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10843-017-0207-2
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    2. Francesca Pratesi & Lala Hu & Riccardo Rialti & Lamberto Zollo & Monica Faraoni, 2021. "Cultural dimensions in online purchase behavior: Evidence from a cross-cultural study," Italian Journal of Marketing, Springer, vol. 2021(3), pages 227-247, September.
    3. Klaus E. Meyer & Jiatao Li & Keith D. Brouthers & Ruey-Jer ‘‘Bryan’’ Jean, 2023. "International business in the digital age: Global strategies in a world of national institutions," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 54(4), pages 577-598, June.
    4. Xi Chen & Shaofen Fang & Yujie Li & Haibin Wang, 2019. "Does Identification Influence Continuous E-Commerce Consumption? The Mediating Role of Intrinsic Motivations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-20, April.
    5. Yang, Luming & Xu, Min & Xing, Lin, 2022. "Exploring the core factors of online purchase decisions by building an E-Commerce network evolution model," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    6. Ruey‐Jer “Bryan” Jean & Daekwan Kim, 2021. "Signalling Strategies of Exporters on Internet Business‐to‐Business Platforms," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 58(7), pages 1869-1898, November.
    7. Ruey-Jer “Bryan” Jean & Daekwan Kim & Kevin Zheng Zhou & S. Tamer Cavusgil, 2021. "E-platform use and exporting in the context of Alibaba: A signaling theory perspective," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 52(8), pages 1501-1528, October.
    8. Feliciano-Cestero, María M. & Ameen, Nisreen & Kotabe, Masaaki & Paul, Justin & Signoret, Mario, 2023. "Is digital transformation threatened? A systematic literature review of the factors influencing firms’ digital transformation and internationalization," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    9. Wim Naudé, 2023. "Late industrialisation and global value chains under platform capitalism," Economia e Politica Industriale: Journal of Industrial and Business Economics, Springer;Associazione Amici di Economia e Politica Industriale, vol. 50(1), pages 91-119, March.

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