Title: Information behaviour and internationalization

Authors: Lawrence S. Welch

Addresses: Norwegian School of Management, PO Box 580, N-1301, Sandvika, Norway

Abstract: This article presents an overview of research on the impact of information behaviour on the internationalization activity of companies. In general it indicates that information collection, transfer and utilization play a key role in the evolution of companies| international operations. Informal information flows, especially through personal networks, consistently emerge as having a greater impact on decision making than formal flows. This appears to be particularly the case in the turmoil of restructuring and adjustment in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Despite the considerable research so far, much remains to be accomplished in deepening the understanding of the role of information factors. This may require a change in research approach towards a more in-process methodology.

Keywords: informal information flows; information transfer; internationalisation; personal information networks; exporting; trade fairs; Eastern Europe; former Soviet Union; decision making.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1996.025426

International Journal of Technology Management, 1996 Vol.11 No.1/2, pp.179 - 191

Published online: 22 May 2009 *

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