Title: Internationalisation of small firms: the importance of a global mindset

Authors: Oyvin Kyvik

Addresses: Cami de Vallvidrera al Tibidabo, 43, 08035 Barcelona, Spain

Abstract: The article considers the cognitive processes causing a global mindset as a firm-specific capability. Existing research shows a strong causal relationship between the global mindset and small firms| internationalisation behaviour, that the main causal power from the explanatory variables goes through the global mindset and that the individual direct effects on internationalisation behaviour are minor in comparison. Possibilities of influencing small firms| internationalisation behaviour through the global mindset are discussed. The importance of international experience for the formation of the global mindset is emphasised. The article outlines methodological approaches for how the formation of a global mindset in small firms may be stimulated based on organisational learning and change management interventions.

Keywords: small firms; managerial cognition; global mindset; internationalisation; entrepreneurship; organisational learning; change management; organisational change.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2011.040893

International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, 2011 Vol.10 No.3/4, pp.314 - 331

Published online: 31 Jan 2015 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article