Title: Virtuous and vicious learning cycles in the internationalisation of emerging market firms

Authors: Aleksandra Wąsowska; Krzysztof Obloj; Mariola Ciszewska-Mlinarič

Addresses: School of Management, Warsaw University, Warsaw, Poland ' School of Management, Warsaw University, Warsaw, Poland; Kozminski University, Warsaw, Poland ' Kozminski University, Warsaw, Poland

Abstract: In this paper, we aim to answer the questions: How do firms from an emerging market learn to overcome resource limitations as they internationalise, and what factors influence their learning ability? Using a case study method, we propose two models of cycles explaining the logic of learning, which are created by a system of initial conditions, managerial mindsets, motives and the pace of internationalisation. A vicious cycle is characterised by limited learning and resource dispersion, while a virtuous cycle encompasses a process of intensive learning and resource accumulation.

Keywords: internationalisation; emerging markets; learning cycles; resource limitations; organisational learning; initial conditions; managerial mindsets; motivation.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIM.2016.073964

European Journal of International Management, 2016 Vol.10 No.1, pp.105 - 125

Received: 11 Oct 2013
Accepted: 12 Sep 2014

Published online: 31 Dec 2015 *

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