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Setbacks, interruptions and turnarounds in the internationalization process: a bibliometric and literature review of de-internationalization

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  • Luíza Neves Marques Fonseca

    (Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro)

  • Angela Rocha

    (Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro)

Abstract

The paper presents a comprehensive review of research on de-internationalization, encompassing the themes of export withdrawal, subsidiary divestment, and backshoring or reshoring. A bibliometric technique (co-word analysis) on keywords from articles and book chapters published from 1980 to 2020 was initially used to confirm the main strands related to de-internationalization. Then, the study employed a bibliometric coupling analysis to identify the recent trends within each theme. The literature was divided into three clusters, which, using different but related terms, addressed the same phenomenon of firms’ decrease in foreign commitment. The ramifications of research on de-internationalization were examined for each of the clusters, mapping the issues deserving of further investigation and making recommendations for future research. The study uses an unprecedented method for understanding the de-internationalization phenomenon more broadly, delimiting its conceptual boundaries and mapping the different manifestations within a single theoretical domain.

Suggested Citation

  • Luíza Neves Marques Fonseca & Angela Rocha, 2023. "Setbacks, interruptions and turnarounds in the internationalization process: a bibliometric and literature review of de-internationalization," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 73(3), pages 1351-1384, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:manrev:v:73:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1007_s11301-022-00276-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s11301-022-00276-7
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    De-internationalization; Export withdrawal; Foreign divestment; Subsidiary survival; Backshoring; Reshoring; Re-internationalization;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M16 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - International Business Administration
    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business

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