The Pre-Internationalisation Phase: An Extension of the Internationalisation Process Model

Alvin Tan (2012). The Pre-Internationalisation Phase: An Extension of the Internationalisation Process Model PhD Thesis, UQ Business School, The University of Queensland.

       
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Author Alvin Tan
Thesis Title The Pre-Internationalisation Phase: An Extension of the Internationalisation Process Model
School, Centre or Institute UQ Business School
Institution The University of Queensland
Publication date 2012-02
Thesis type PhD Thesis
Supervisor Prof. Peter Liesch
Dr. Paul Brewer
Total pages 308
Total black and white pages 308
Language eng
Subjects 150308 International Business
Abstract/Summary Since the 1960s, the internationalisation process of firms has attracted wide research interest. One of the dominant explanations of firm internationalisation that has emerged is the Uppsala internationalisation process model, which describes internationalisation as a firm's gradual and incremental international involvement. In the recent decades, there has been much debate surrounding the Uppsala model, with one highlighted criticism being that the model is unclear in explaining how the internationalisation process first originated within a firm. In this thesis, the internationalisation process as described in the Uppsala model is extended through the incorporation of a pre-internationalisation phase to explore the antecedents of firm internationalisation. This thesis focuses on examining the key activities and behaviour of firms prior to an initial internationalisation decision through export commencement. Adopting the Uppsala model's theoretical underpinnings, this thesis develops and operationalises a pre-internationalisation phase decision heuristic and introduces the concept of 'export readiness'. Four constructs are proposed that highlight the driving and inhibiting factors of export commencement decision-making during a firm's pre-internationalisation phase: internal and external export stimuli, attitudinal/psychological commitment, resources and lateral rigidity. Through a survey of Australian exporting and non-exporting small and medium sized firms, data relating to the four pre-internationalisation constructs are collected and an Export Readiness Index (ERI) is developed through factor analysis and tested using logistic regression. The ERI is presented as a multi-item heuristic measure for assessing a firm's preparedness and propensity to commence international sales utilising an export market entry mode.
Keyword pre-internationalisation
export readiness
internationalisation process
Uppsala model

 
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Created: Fri, 22 Jun 2012, 12:18:04 EST by Mr Alvin Tan on behalf of Library - Information Access Service