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An Assemblage–Theoretic Perspective on the Internationalization Processes of Family Firms

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  • A. Rebecca Reuber

Abstract

Much scholarly attention has been paid to the internationalization of family firms. In this paper, I contend that our knowledge remains limited because of a dominant focus on decision making. I problematize this dominant focus in the literature, propose assemblage theory as a new lens through which to examine family business internationalization, and draw attention to new research questions constructed around the conceptualization of internationalization as a destabilizing influence on family firm logics and routines. In doing so, I pay particular attention to processes associated with internationalization triggers, geographic distance, cultural differences and the family firm as an unfamiliar market actor, and to temporal considerations associated with these processes.

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  • A. Rebecca Reuber, 2016. "An Assemblage–Theoretic Perspective on the Internationalization Processes of Family Firms," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 40(6), pages 1269-1286, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:40:y:2016:i:6:p:1269-1286
    DOI: 10.1111/etap.12243
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    2. Kimberly A. Eddleston & Peter Jaskiewicz & Mike Wright, 2020. "Family firms and internationalization in the Asia-Pacific: the need for multi-level perspectives," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 37(2), pages 345-361, June.
    3. Francesco Debellis & Mariateresa Torchia & Fabio Quarato & Andrea Calabrò, 2023. "Board openness and family firm internationalization: a social capital perspective," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 60(4), pages 1431-1448, April.
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    5. Kerai, Anita & Kumar, Vikas & Singla, Chitra, 2023. "Impact of TMT structural power asymmetry on family firm internationalization," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(4).
    6. Debellis, Francesco & Rondi, Emanuela & Plakoyiannaki, Emmanuella & De Massis, Alfredo, 2021. "Riding the waves of family firm internationalization: A systematic literature review, integrative framework, and research agenda," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 56(1).
    7. Pongelli, Claudia & Majocchi, Antonio & Bauweraerts, Jonathan & Sciascia, Salvatore & Caroli, Matteo & Verbeke, Alain, 2023. "The impact of board of directors’ characteristics on the internationalization of family SMEs," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 58(2).
    8. Sheshadri Chatterjee & Ranjan Chaudhuri & Demetris Vrontis & Adnane Maalaoui, 2023. "Internationalization of family business and its performance: examining the moderating role of digitalization and international networking capability," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 17(7), pages 2443-2470, October.
    9. Jon C. Carr & James J. Chrisman & Jess H. Chua & Lloyd P. Steier, 2016. "Family Firm Challenges in Intergenerational Wealth Transfer," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 40(6), pages 1197-1208, November.
    10. He, Xuan & Xiao, Weicheng, 2022. "What drives family SMEs to internationalize? An integrated perspective of community institutions and knowledge resources," Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    11. Ambra Mazzelli & Danny Miller & Isabelle Le Breton-Miller & Alfredo De Massis & Josip Kotlar, 2023. "Outcome-Based Imitation in Family Firms’ International Market Entry Decisions," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 47(4), pages 1059-1092, July.
    12. Debellis, Francesco & De Massis, Alfredo & Messeni Petruzzelli, Antonio & Frattini, Federico & Del Giudice, Manlio, 2021. "Strategic agility and international joint ventures: The willingness-ability paradox of family firms," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 27(1).
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