IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/bcp/journl/v9y2025issue-2p3356-3377.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Exploring Theories Supporting the Internationalization of Companies: Insights for Zambian-Based SMEs

Author

Listed:
  • Dr. Stephen Mukuka

    (School of Management, Kesmond International University)

  • Prof. Lawrence Mwelwa

    (Director, Kesmond Research Institute (Supervisor))

  • Prof. John Phiri

    (Senior Lecturer, University of Zambia)

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to explore theories Supporting the Internationalization of Companies: Insights for Zambian-Based SMEs. Through a mixed-method approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative research, utilizing from a sample size of 250 SMEs and indepth interviews with industry experts this study examined key factors impacting SMEs’ ability to access international markets, including access to finance, regulatory obstacles, and infrastructural limitations. Findings indicate that while Zambian SMEs show a high level of interest in global expansion, significant structural and operational barriers limit their competitiveness and market reach. The article contributes to academic discourse by identifying critical areas for policy and practice reform to support Zambian SMEs in their internationalization journey. This research investigates the primary challenges that Zambian-based Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) face when attempting to internationalize their business operations. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both quantitative data from a sample size of 250 SMEs and qualitative interviews with industry experts. Findings reveal that financial constraints, regulatory hurdles, cultural adaptation issues, and logistical barriers are significant obstacles for Zambian SMEs. The study’s insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers, SME stakeholders, and scholars, contributing to an understanding of how Zambian SMEs can enhance their competitiveness in international markets. Some recommendations that have been proposed: Fostering a cross-cultural community within the company will increase interest amongst personnel from various nations, both technically and in terms of a readiness to share information. Gain access to both local and international technical and organizational infrastructures, which are essential for success when you start to internationalize the company. A conscious attempt to gather the information required to support the execution of nation entry plans.

Suggested Citation

  • Dr. Stephen Mukuka & Prof. Lawrence Mwelwa & Prof. John Phiri, 2025. "Exploring Theories Supporting the Internationalization of Companies: Insights for Zambian-Based SMEs," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(2), pages 3356-3377, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-2:p:3356-3377
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/Digital-Library/volume-9-issue-2/3356-3377.pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/articles/exploring-theories-supporting-the-internationalization-of-companies-insights-for-zambian-based-smes/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jan Johanson & Jan-Erik Vahlne, 1977. "The Internationalization Process of the Firm—A Model of Knowledge Development and Increasing Foreign Market Commitments," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 8(1), pages 23-32, March.
    2. Manrai, Lalita A. & Manrai, Ajay K., 2001. "Marketing opportunities and challenges in emerging markets in the new millennium: a conceptual framework and analysis," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 10(5), pages 493-504, October.
    3. Hadley, Richard D. & Wilson, Heather I. M., 2003. "The network model of internationalisation and experiential knowledge," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 12(6), pages 697-717, December.
    4. Phillips McDougall, Patricia & Shane, Scott & Oviatt, Benjamin M., 1994. "Explaining the formation of international new ventures: The limits of theories from international business research," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 9(6), pages 469-487, November.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Dr. Stephen Mukuka & Prof. John Phiri & Prof. Lawrence Mwelwa, 2025. "Challenges of Internationalizing the Firms Business Operations: The Case of Zambian-Based SMEs," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(2), pages 2642-2664, February.
    2. Brennan, L. & Garvey, D., 2009. "The role of knowledge in internationalization," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 23(2), pages 120-133, June.
    3. Galkina, Tamara & Yang, Man, 2020. "Bringing Nordic Slush to Asia: Entrepreneurial internationalization of an NGO as a social movement," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 29(6).
    4. 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.
    5. Zhou, Lianxi, 2007. "The effects of entrepreneurial proclivity and foreign market knowledge on early internationalization," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 42(3), pages 281-293, September.
    6. Fletcher, Margaret & Harris, Simon & Richey, Robert Glenn, 2021. "Retrospective and prospective learning: Accelerating the internationalization process," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 56(3).
    7. Bürgel, Oliver & Fier, Andreas & Licht, Georg & Murray, Gordon & Nerlinger, Eric A., 1998. "The internationalisation of British and German start-up companies in high-technology industries," ZEW Discussion Papers 98-34, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    8. Maria Rumyantseva & Catherine Welch, 2023. "The born global and international new venture revisited: An alternative explanation for early and rapid internationalization," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 54(7), pages 1193-1221, September.
    9. David A. Ball & Valerie J. Lindsay & Elizabeth L. Rose, 2008. "Rethinking the paradigm of service internationalisation: Less resource-intensive market entry modes for information-intensive soft services," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 48(4), pages 413-431, April.
    10. Preece, Stephen B. & Miles, Grant & Baetz, Mark C., 1999. "Explaining the international intensity and global diversity of early-stage technology-based firms," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 14(3), pages 259-281, May.
    11. Kuivalainen, Olli & Saarenketo, Sami & Puumalainen, Kaisu, 2012. "Start-up patterns of internationalization: A framework and its application in the context of knowledge-intensive SMEs," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 30(4), pages 372-385.
    12. Hashai, Niron & Almor, Tamar, 2004. "Gradually internationalizing 'born global' firms: an oxymoron?," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 13(4), pages 465-483, August.
    13. repec:zbw:rwimat:036 is not listed on IDEAS
    14. Marzanna K. Witek-Hajduk, 2013. "Wczesne umiędzynarodowienie a wyniki ekonomiczne przedsiębiorstwa," Gospodarka Narodowa. The Polish Journal of Economics, Warsaw School of Economics, issue 11-12, pages 73-92.
    15. Schwens, Christian & Kabst, Ruediger, 2011. "Internationalization of young technology firms: A complementary perspective on antecedents of foreign market familiarity," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 20(1), pages 60-74, February.
    16. Lindstrand, Angelika & Hånell, Sara Melén, 2017. "International and market-specific social capital effects on international opportunity exploitation in the internationalization process," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 52(5), pages 653-663.
    17. Engel, Dirk & Dehio, Jochen & Döhrn, Roland & Janßen-Timmen, Ronald & Scheuer, Markus & Stiebale, Joel, 2007. "Internationalisierung der IT-Dienstleister: Eine Bestandsaufnahme," RWI Materialien 36, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung.
    18. John Kuada, 2016. "Enterprise Growth and Global Competitiveness - An African Perspective," Research Africa Network Working Papers 16/001, Research Africa Network (RAN).
    19. Chandra, Yanto & Wilkinson, Ian F., 2017. "Firm internationalization from a network-centric complex-systems perspective," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 52(5), pages 691-701.
    20. Christian Felzensztein & George Saridakis & Bochra Idris & Gabriel P. Elizondo, 2022. "Do economic freedom, business experience, and firm size affect internationalization speed? Evidence from small firms in Chile, Colombia, and Peru," Journal of International Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 20(1), pages 115-156, March.
    21. Djamila El Idrissi & Valérie Hauch, 2012. "Entrepreneuriat international et réseaux sociaux pour les PME innovantes : quelles perceptions pour quelles stratégies ?," Post-Print halshs-00861575, HAL.

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-2:p:3356-3377. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Dr. Pawan Verma (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/ .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.