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Diplomatic Relations and Firm Internationalization Speed: The Moderating Roles of Trade Openness and Firm Ownership

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  • Zhenkuo Ding

    (Guangxi Normal University)

  • Man Hu

    (Guangxi Normal University)

  • Sheng Huang

    (Guangzhou University Town)

Abstract

Drawing on the international relations literature, the purpose of this paper is to investigate whether and when diplomatic relations between countries have an influence on firm internationalization speed. We discover that the friendlier bilateral diplomatic relations between home and host countries, the more beneficial it is to enhance firm internationalization speed. In addition, the higher trade openness of the host country, the smaller contribution of bilateral diplomatic relations for firm internationalization speed in the host country and friendly bilateral diplomatic relations have a stronger positive impact on internationalization speed when the internationalizing home enterprise is a state-owned enterprise (SOE). Our findings not only contribute to both the firm internationalization speed literature and the international relations literature, but also have managerial significance for how enterprises can use the friendly diplomatic relations between countries to improve firm internationalization speed.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhenkuo Ding & Man Hu & Sheng Huang, 2023. "Diplomatic Relations and Firm Internationalization Speed: The Moderating Roles of Trade Openness and Firm Ownership," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 63(6), pages 911-941, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:manint:v:63:y:2023:i:6:d:10.1007_s11575-023-00514-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s11575-023-00514-4
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Diplomatic relations; Trade openness; Nature of firm ownership; Internationalization speed; International relations;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • F55 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Institutional Arrangements

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