Unsicherheitsvermeidend oder opportunistisch: Internationalisierungsverläufe von Klein- und Mittelbetrieben

The article addresses the topic of the internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We assume that in SMEs specific ‘social worlds’ are established that are fundamentally different to those in large enterprises. On the basis of case studies from the German machine industry and automotive supply industry, the effects these social worlds have on internationalisation processes in China is shown. It is argued that different constellations of organisational decision-making systems with different social worlds form specific constellations, which correlate with two typical processes of internationalisation: some companies are primarily concerned with avoiding risks during the internationalisation process, while others focus on taking opportunities. These typical internationalisation processes in turn have effects on the social world of the SME, in the long run leading to either a stronger integration or segregation.