Title: Entrepreneurial action in the context of firms and managers operating internationally: an empirical study

Authors: Abel Duarte Alonso; Seng Kok

Addresses: Liverpool Business School, Liverpool John Moores University, Redmonds Building Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5UG, UK; School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Dr., Joondalup, 6027 WA, Australia ' Liverpool Business School, Liverpool John Moores University, Redmonds Building Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5UG, UK

Abstract: This exploratory study draws on entrepreneurial action theory, and proposes a theoretical framework to understand the main rationale for companies and their managers to have an international presence. The perspectives of managers representing four international companies operating in the state of Western Australia were examined through in-depth face-to-face interviews. The findings revealed various strong associations with the theory. Notably, while firms' action was partly motivated by the significance of Western Australia's natural resources, equally important were strategic elements surrounding such decision, including matching or anticipating competitors' moves. Entrepreneurial action was also manifested among participants, particularly in that their accumulated knowledge and expertise provided an ideal fit with their organisations' goals. The framework can therefore inform future research, from both a practical and a theoretical perspective.

Keywords: entrepreneurial action; international entrepreneurship; managers; corporations; natural resources; Western Australia.

DOI: 10.1504/JIBED.2018.098716

Journal for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development, 2018 Vol.11 No.4, pp.343 - 362

Received: 18 Sep 2018
Accepted: 19 Sep 2018
Published online: 01 Apr 2019 *

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