The resource based view of internationalisation: an integrative perspective

Abstract

This study further develops the resource based view of internationalisation. The central proposition is that the internationalisation process can vary depending on the resources and also on how the resources are accumulated. It is proposed that the internationalisation process is dependent on the resource development/acquisition process. Empirical studies on the internationalisation process of firms have identified three main firm resources. These firm resources which have been empirically supported include (1) international entrepreneurial orientation, (2) networks and (3) knowledge. Therefore, it is proposed that if the three previously identified resources that are important for internationalisation are accumulated gradually, a firm may experience gradual internationalisation; whereas if these resources required for internationalisation are gained in an accelerated way or they already exist in the firm at inception, then the firm may experience early internationalisation. To test the research model of this study, qualitative analysis is undertaken. The case study research approach is utilised. Four New Zealand based firms that have experienced internationalisation took part in this study. Semi structured interviews were conducted with the entrepreneur or managing director of these companies. To identify the impact of different resource development processes on the internationalisation process, all questionnaires had similar topics, and the questions focused on the development process of resources and the internationalisation process of the firm. The findings of the study have generally provided support for the propositions underlying the research model. It was observed that the networks, knowledge and international entrepreneurial orientation influenced their internationalisation process. Furthermore, firms that developed or accumulated these resources gradually experienced incremental internationalisation. Subsequently, the company that already had existing networks, knowledge and international entrepreneurial orientation and further developed these resources at an early stage of growth, experienced early internationalisation. Therefore resource development or accumulation process appears to influence the internationalisation process. Finally, it was also observed that acquisition of critical resources can speed up the internationalisation process. A company can speed up the internationalisation process by acquiring required resources.