Title: Models of internationalisation: the New Zealand experience

Authors: Joanna Scott-Kennel

Addresses: Department of Strategy and HRM, Waikato Management School, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand

Abstract: This paper examines the models of internationalisation adopted by 30 firms from New Zealand. Analysis of the internationalisation model is based on five key dimensions: firm sector and size; international market scope; market entry and servicing strategies; and speed of internationalisation. Drivers and constraints to internationalisation are also considered in the analysis. Evaluation of these dimensions over time finds evidence of both traditional 'stages' and emergent 'born (again) global' models of internationalisation, and reveals that over one third of these firms experience dramatic change to their international activities and resources initiated by divestment or change of ownership. We refer to the alternative internationalisation trajectory adopted by these firms as the 'transformational' model of internationalisation. The paper makes a contribution to the extant literature by providing synthesis of New Zealand firm internationalisation and by building on our understanding of how patterns of internationalisation from a small open economy are changing in response to global environmental pressures.

Keywords: internationalisation models; small to medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; strategy; entry modes; born globals; exporting; New Zealand; firm sector; firm size; international market scope; market entry; servicing strategies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBG.2013.052250

International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2013 Vol.10 No.2, pp.105 - 136

Published online: 21 Nov 2013 *

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