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Confidence in learning: Inter- and intraorganizational learning in foreign market entry decisions

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  • Jiatao Li
  • Cuili Qian
  • Fiona K. Yao

Abstract

type="main" xml:id="smj2250-abs-0001"> From an organizational learning perspective, we argue that the information signaled by the distribution attributes of foreign investors already operating in a location will influence the entry decisions of later arrivals by affecting their level of confidence in imitating. In the context of foreign investment decisions, the proportion of experienced firms in a location was shown to first increase a follower firm's confidence about imitating them, but then to decrease it, due to anticipated competition. The impact of learning from target organizations also varies with the experience of the learning organization. Data on the location choices of 7,478 manufacturing ventures in China by U.S. firms supported the hypotheses. The results provide a more integrated and nuanced understanding of learning in foreign direct investment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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  • Jiatao Li & Cuili Qian & Fiona K. Yao, 2015. "Confidence in learning: Inter- and intraorganizational learning in foreign market entry decisions," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 36(6), pages 918-929, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:stratm:v:36:y:2015:i:6:p:918-929
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    1. Lipeng Gary Ge & Cuili Qian & Jiatao Li, 2019. "Mimicry, Knowledge Spillover and Expatriate Assignment Strategy in Overseas Subsidiaries," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 59(6), pages 981-1007, December.
    2. Yang, Yong & Driffield, Nigel, 2022. "Leveraging the benefits of location decisions into performance: A global view from matched MNEs," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 468-483.
    3. Hui, Kent N. & Hult, G. Tomas M. & Ketchen, David J., 2020. "Causal attribution for peer performance and international joint venture divestment," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 26(2).
    4. Wang, Yong & Yao, Xiaotao & Li, Kaige, 2022. "Imitation and rapid internationalization of emerging market firms," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 57(6).
    5. Fiona Kun Yao & Luqun Xie & Jiatao Li & Mingrui Xu, 2023. "Subnational-level government influence and FDI location choices: The moderating roles of resource dependence relations," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 54(6), pages 1027-1054, August.
    6. Wang, Yong & Li, Kaige & Zhu, Yunxia & Chen, Jiawen, 2023. "Imitation, performance feedback, and outward foreign direct investments by emerging market firms," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(4).
    7. Boehe, Dirk Michael & Becerra, Manuel, 2022. "Market entry into new export markets: When are firms more likely to imitate their competitors’ market presence?," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(5).
    8. Purkayastha, Anish & Kumar, Vikas & Gupta, Vishal K., 2021. "Emerging market internationalizing firms: Learning through internationalization to achieve entrepreneurial orientation," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 56(5).
    9. Nelaeva, Alena & Nilssen, Frode, 2022. "Contrasting knowledge development for internationalization among emerging and advanced economy firms: A review and future research," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 232-256.

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