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The impact of agility on the market performance of born-global firms: An exploratory study of the ‘Tech City’ innovation cluster

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  • Nemkova, Ekaterina

Abstract

Although there is some recognition that agility is advantageous for a born-global firm, the concept of agility is underexplored in the management and marketing literature. Little is known about the ability of born-globals to become agile and under what conditions agility can lead to better market performance. In this investigation the exploratory qualitative research was conducted using the data of fifteen in-depth interviews with managers and experts in Tech City in London, UK. Firstly, the findings show that creativity and informal planning are the main decision-making drivers of agility in born-global firms. Secondly, the study reveals that agility is more likely to be positively related to international market performance when key decision-makers have certain skills, including knowledge of the market, international experience, learning orientation and ambiguity tolerance.

Suggested Citation

  • Nemkova, Ekaterina, 2017. "The impact of agility on the market performance of born-global firms: An exploratory study of the ‘Tech City’ innovation cluster," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 257-265.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:80:y:2017:i:c:p:257-265
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2017.04.017
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