Title: Globalisation and firm structure: comparing a family-business and a corporate block holder in the New Zealand seafood industry

Authors: Kelley Brydon, Léo-Paul Dana

Addresses: Department of Management, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand. ' Department of Management, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand

Abstract: This study examines literature about firm structure, ownership structure and concentration, diversification and use of networking related to the degree of internationalisation. A case study of the New Zealand seafood industry was completed to determine whether this literature was applicable in this context. The literature relating to ownership concentration was only partly supported, suggesting an opportunity to contribute the literature. Industry characteristics played a fundamental role in the decision to internationalise, and firm structure determined the rate at which each firm expanded into foreign markets. A model is developed to highlight the key relationships between variables.

Keywords: internationalisation; firm structure; seafood; New Zealand; strategy; organisational structure; ownership concentration; networking; ownership structure; diversification; networking; family business; corporate block holders.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGSB.2011.042254

International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business, 2011 Vol.4 No.2, pp.206 - 220

Published online: 01 Sep 2011 *

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