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Firm Productivity and the Foreign‐Market Entry Decision

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  • Horst Raff
  • Michael Ryan
  • Frank Stähler

Abstract

We use Japanese firm‐level data to examine how a firm’s productivity affects its foreign‐market entry strategy. The firm faces a choice between exporting and foreign direct investment (FDI). In the case of FDI, the firm has two options: greenfield investment or acquisition of an existing plant (M&A). If it selects greenfield investment, it has two ownership choices: whole ownership or a joint venture with a local company. Controlling for industry‐ and country‐specific characteristics, we find that the more productive a firm is, the more likely it is to choose FDI rather than exporting and greenfield investment rather than M&A.

Suggested Citation

  • Horst Raff & Michael Ryan & Frank Stähler, 2012. "Firm Productivity and the Foreign‐Market Entry Decision," Journal of Economics & Management Strategy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 21(3), pages 849-871, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jemstr:v:21:y:2012:i:3:p:849-871
    DOI: j.1530-9134.2012.00346.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F15 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Economic Integration
    • F12 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Models of Trade with Imperfect Competition and Scale Economies; Fragmentation

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