Title: Critical intangible factors for SME multi-location strategy in China

Authors: Borja Portero; José Luis Hervás-Oliver; Francisco Puig

Addresses: Department of Management, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera, 14 46022 – Valencia, Spain ' Department of Management, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera, 14 46022 – Valencia, Spain ' Department of Management, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera, 14 46022 – Valencia, Spain

Abstract: This paper examines the critical intangible factors observed in the multi-location process to China by Spanish manufacturing firms. The goal of this paper is to shed light on the most significant aspects of the multi-location process which can minimise the internationalisation complexity (IC) and, consequently, improve its performance. In order to fulfil this goal, perceptions by Spanish managers doing business in China are collected, using an extensive qualitative analysis. The main findings accept the fact that the IC associated with multi-location in China is effectively reduced when decision makers understand that China is extremely diverse and complex. Thus, reducing the chances of failure requires defining in advance the strategic goal when undertaking that process. In addition, it is also evidenced that the success of the process is clearly linked with a pushing attitude (proactive), the ownership of enough intangible resources, and support coming from the governmental institutions and the effective expatriated.

Keywords: SMEs; intangible factors; SME multi-location strategy; internationalisation; manufacturing industry; China; Spain; SME location; small and medium-sized enterprises.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTIS.2012.051533

International Journal of Transitions and Innovation Systems, 2012 Vol.2 No.3/4, pp.266 - 282

Published online: 30 Sep 2014 *

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