SMEs foreign establishment decision-making: a multiple-case research of internationalisation strategies in the metallurgy and metal-mechanic industry
by Bruno F. Abrantes; Miguel Torres Preto; Nelson António
International Journal of Management and Decision Making (IJMDM), Vol. 19, No. 3, 2020

Abstract: This research aims to untangle the decision-making of Portuguese firms in their selection of overseas host-markets. Herein, a theoretical review will cover both the decision-making and internationalisation theory. Restricted to a target population of SMEs, the empirical testing is focused on the areas of risk-perception and the pace of commitment, and is therefore, a multiple case design comprising a representative sample of the different segments of the sector. The research follows a post-positivistic rationale aligned with its descriptive-evaluative purpose, combining the collection of contrived data and subsequent manipulation in a sequential explanatory mixed methods logic. Quantitative data from documentary analysis, is proceeded by qualitative data from interviews to the strategic apex of the case-firms, coded through content analysis. Results demonstrate that commitment decisions follow distinctive risk-profiles, influenced by a dyad of Ricardian comparative-advantage factors and public policy' practices impacting directly on cross-border establishment decisions.

Online publication date: Thu, 23-Jul-2020

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Management and Decision Making (IJMDM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com