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Internationalization through exaptation: The role of domestic geographical dispersion in the internationalization process

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  • Grazia D Santangelo

    (University of Catania)

  • Tamara Stucchi

    (University of Catania)

Abstract

We introduce the notion of exaptation to internationalization theory, a process in which a capability is re-used for a purpose and in a context different than its historical purpose and context. Specifically, we examine which domestic capabilities may be redeployed when organizations engage in cross-border M&As for the first time. We suggest that organizations exapt (re-use) coordination and control capabilities, initially developed to manage domestic geographical dispersion, to acquire and integrate external resources across borders. By analyzing 693 Indian business groups over a decade, we add to the recent effort to frame the internationalization process within evolutionary theory.

Suggested Citation

  • Grazia D Santangelo & Tamara Stucchi, 2018. "Internationalization through exaptation: The role of domestic geographical dispersion in the internationalization process," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 49(6), pages 753-760, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:jintbs:v:49:y:2018:i:6:d:10.1057_s41267-018-0151-y
    DOI: 10.1057/s41267-018-0151-y
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    Cited by:

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    2. Schweizer, Roger & Vahlne, Jan-Erik, 2022. "Non-linear internationalization and the Uppsala model – On the importance of individuals," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 140(C), pages 583-592.
    3. Acedo, Francisco J. & Coviello, Nicole & Agustí, María, 2021. "Caution ahead! The long-term effects of initial export intensity and geographic dispersion on INV development," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 56(6).
    4. Danchi Tan & Weichieh Su & Joseph T. Mahoney & Yasemin Kor, 2020. "A review of research on the growth of multinational enterprises: A Penrosean lens," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 51(4), pages 498-537, June.
    5. Aaltonen, Päivi Hanna Maria, 2020. "Piecing together a puzzle—A review and research agenda on internationalization and the promise of exaptation," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 29(4).
    6. Aguilera, Ruth V. & Crespí-Cladera, Rafel & Infantes, Paula M. & Pascual-Fuster, Bartolomé, 2020. "Business groups and internationalization: Effective identification and future agenda," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 55(4).
    7. Hermes Castro Fajardo & Lina María Otálora Gómez & Fernando Chavarro Miranda, 2022. "Análisis y evaluación de mercados internacionales de la miel natural," Apuntes del Cenes, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, vol. 41(74), pages 201-240, July.
    8. Wang, Elizabeth Yi & Kafouros, Mario, 2020. "Location still matters! How does geographic configuration influence the performance-enhancing advantages of FDI spillovers?," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 26(3).
    9. James, Steffan & Liu, Zheng & Stephens, Victoria & White, Gareth R.T., 2022. "Innovation in crisis: The role of ‘exaptive relations’ for medical device development in response to COVID-19," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 182(C).
    10. Nuno Calheiros-Lobo & José Vasconcelos Ferreira & Manuel Au-Yong-Oliveira, 2023. "SME Internationalization and Export Performance: A Systematic Review with Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-36, May.
    11. Grazia D. Santangelo & Alain Verbeke, 2022. "Actionable guidelines to improve ‘theory-related’ contributions to international business research," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 53(9), pages 1843-1855, December.
    12. Jeoung Yul Lee & Asli M. Colpan & Yeon-Sik Ryu & Tomoki Sekiguchi, 2022. "What do we know about the internationalization of Asian business groups? A systematic review and future research agenda," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 21(5), pages 802-830, November.

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