Title: Firm characteristics and internationalisation strategies: an empirical investigation of New Zealand exporters

Authors: Rachel Bayfield, Leo Paul Dana, Samuel Stewart

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

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to develop a greater understanding of the characteristics of exporting firms in New Zealand, and the strategies employed within the internationalisation process. This paper reviewed and applied a range of relevant literature to develop hypotheses, which were then empirically tested. The hypotheses developed were supported to a large extent, providing strong indications that New Zealand firms follow a number of more conventional strategies when materialising their internationalisation intentions. Several theoretical and practical implications emerge from this paper. Value is added to the literature by providing and supporting empirically tested hypotheses. The business community can also draw from a more detailed body of knowledge when developing or supporting their internationalisation intentions or strategies.

Keywords: internationalisation strategy; New Zealand; exporting; international business; globalisation; firm characteristics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGSB.2009.024571

International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business, 2009 Vol.3 No.3, pp.275 - 287

Published online: 10 Apr 2009 *

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