Relationsbåret International Udvikling på ... - Brazbiz.dk

English Summary
of related cultural elements. The model is then empirically tested, i.e. to examine
whether variations in experienced psychical distance can be explained, by using relationship
parameters.
SME – The Manager Type Determines the Internationalisation Approach of the Enterprise.
In paper 6, I argue that it is the inner, mental visions of the manager, which either prevents
or promotes the international development of firms. This argument is founded
on the results of an analysis of the opinions of 168 Danish small and medium sized enterprises
in relation to decisions about whether or not they should participate in activities
to promote exports in a distant market. On the background of this qualitative analysis,
I have developed a typology of 8 ideal types (stereotypical manager profiles), which
are each connected to a distinctive internationalisation approach in terms of decision
making. The paper emphasises the need for recognition of the fact that internationalisation
of firms cannot be seen in isolation from the people who constitute the nerve centre
of the firm. Thus, I move into the periphery of Scharmer’s third revolution; the individualisation
and the fact that the attention is inward-looking.
Psychic Energy in International Organisational Relations
As mentioned earlier, the third revolution is characterised by a metaphysical renaissance.
Paper 7 explores the metaphysical dimension by discussing the concept energy, or more
precisely psychic energy. The purpose of this is to contribute to the conceptualisation of
the energy phenomenon as being a central concept in an understanding of firms and
their inter-organisational relations, which are basically concerned with interhuman relations.
Action Research as Research Approach in Connection with the Entrance of SMEs on Far-off Markets
With these alternative perspectives on an already well-established subject area, you
might question whether the traditional research approach is adequate in this brave new
world. Paper 8 presents the results of the action research project aimed at encouraging a
selected group of Danish SMEs to enter and operate in Brazil.
One of the elements in this experiment was the establishment of an Internet portal
(www.businessinbrazil.dk), which was meant to facilitate the development of relationship
between Danish and Brazilian enterprises. The portal is still running (August 2004),
and to date more than 100 Danish enterprises and 100 Brazilian enterprises have registered
on the portal.
Besides showing the results of this action research project, paper 8 also discusses the
action research approach as such. Action research is in itself an alternative approach in
232 Dorthe Serles