Title: Internationalisation of family enterprises: the role of entrepreneurial orientation and international growth orientation

Authors: Lasse Torkkeli; Maria Uzhegova; Olli Kuivalainen; Sami Saarenketo; Kaisu Puumalainen

Addresses: Lappeenranta University of Technology, School of Business and Management, P.O. Box 20, FI-53851, Lappeenranta, Finland ' Lappeenranta University of Technology, School of Business and Management, P.O. Box 20, FI-53851, Lappeenranta, Finland ' Lappeenranta University of Technology, School of Business and Management, P.O. Box 20, FI-53851, Lappeenranta, Finland ' Lappeenranta University of Technology, School of Business and Management, P.O. Box 20, FI-53851, Lappeenranta, Finland ' Lappeenranta University of Technology, School of Business and Management, P.O. Box 20, FI-53851, Lappeenranta, Finland

Abstract: The determinants of foreign market entry and success among family-controlled small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have not received much attention in research, and especially the role of strategic orientations noted crucial in international entrepreneurship, is still unclear in the family business context. In this study, we respond to these omissions by examining a sample of 169 family-controlled Finnish SMEs across five industry sectors. The data are analysed via binary logistic and linear regression modelling. The results find that the internationalisation propensity and degree of internationalisation among the family businesses are impacted by higher levels of international growth orientation. Innovativeness explains the likelihood of having international operations, but entrepreneurial orientation does not impact the internationalisation outcomes. International growth orientation is found to not determine the international performance of the companies. We discuss the theoretical and managerial implications of the results, which contribute to the literature on family businesses and international entrepreneurship.

Keywords: family business; SME internationalisation; strategic orientation; international entrepreneurship; international performance; entrepreneurial orientation; international growth orientation; small- and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; Finland; quantitative methods.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBG.2021.118681

International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2021 Vol.29 No.3, pp.354 - 375

Received: 30 Mar 2018
Accepted: 04 May 2019
Published online: 03 Nov 2021 *

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