AIB 2012 Conference Proceedings - Academy of International ...

MONDAY
International Entrepreneurship and Legitimacy: A Study of Chinese International Firms
Hairu Yang, Shanghai Finance University
Zhiqiang Liu, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Daniel Ding, City University of Hong Kong
This study tries to explore in the domestic market what the motivation of international entrepreneurship is and
how international entrepreneurial firms survive in foreign markets. Based on a sample of 212 Chinese
international firms, this study examines the level of internationalization of organizational field as an antecedent
of international entrepreneurship from a neoinstitutional theory perspective. We also investigate exploitative
and exploratory learning as consequences of international entrepreneurship, because firms seek to achieve
legitimacy in a host country. We further test the nonlinear relationship between exploitative and exploratory
learning and performance in foreign markets. Findings suggest that isomorphic pressure from the organizational
field will cause firms to engage in international entrepreneurial activities. In order to gain legitimacy in a host
country, international entrepreneurship, in turn, is positively associated with the above two learning processes.
Results also support that although exploitative and exploratory learning are beneficial, they can weaken a firm's
performance in foreign markets, after a certain point. (For more information, please contact: Hairu Yang,
Shanghai Finance University, China: cherryyang97@hotmail.com)
The Moderating Effect of Knowledge Transfer and Institutional Context on the Speed of Internationalization - A
Proposed Framework
Niklas Akerman, Linnaeus University
Leaning on theory related to speed of internationalization, knowledge transfer and institutional theory this study
proposes that an understanding of country-specific institutional contexts need to be taken into account in order
to understand the variance in the speed of internationalization of traditional small and medium-sized firms.
Responding to a need of better understanding the moderating factors determining the pace of
internationalization processes this paper takes an integrative approach to suggest a number of propositions for
future research. With the aim of contributing to internationalization process theory it is proposed that there are
associations between successful intra-unit knowledge transfer across borders and a rapid internationalization
process. It is further suggested that knowledge about how institutional contexts influence the transferring of
experiential internationalization knowledge will influence the speed of future internationalization positively. (For
more information, please contact: Niklas Akerman, Linnaeus University, Sweden: niklas.akerman@lnu.se)
The International Expansion of SMEs: High vs. Low Entrepreneurial Orientation
Patricia Todd, Western Kentucky University
Rajshekhar (Raj) Javalgi, Cleveland State University
Robert Scherer, Cleveland State University
The study presents a comparison of SMEs characterized as high in entrepreneurial orientation and those that
are low. Surveys were sent to a cross section of exporting firms located in six states surrounding the Great
Lakes region, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan. The final number of
useable surveys was 197, after dealing with outliers. The effective response rate was 14.1%. It was found that
the best predictors for discriminating between firms with high or low entrepreneurial orientation are the
satisfaction with the rate of new market entry and the perception of growth in total market share due to
exporting. The significant economic contribution of SMEs is well understood but information concerning the
differentiating characteristics between high and low entrepreneurial orientation are scarce. This study extends
the literature by providing a preliminary investigation of these differentiating behaviors. (For more information,
please contact: Patricia Todd, Western Kentucky University, USA: patricia.todd@wku.edu)
AIB 2012 Conference Proceedings
Page 114