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The internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): a multi-level integrative framework

Author

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  • Michael A. Abebe
  • Arifin Angriawan

Abstract

The internationalisation activities in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have attracted a great deal of scholarly interest in the last couple of decades. Despite the growing number of studies that focus on one or more antecedents of internationalisation activities in SMEs, there is a lack of an integrated theoretical framework that conceptualises the antecedents of internationalisation in SMEs as a multi-level organisational phenomenon. To fill this gap, we propose a multi-level integrated theoretical framework of SMEs internationalisation based on the open system perspective of organisations. This study integrates the extant literature on SME internationalisation by discussing behavioural (managerial), firm-level (resource endowments and strategy) and industry-level (life cycle and competition) antecedents. Drawing from the product-life cycle, resource-based view, organisational learning, social network and strategic management literatures, we develop an integrated framework and related propositions on the drivers of internationalisation activities in SMEs.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael A. Abebe & Arifin Angriawan, 2011. "The internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): a multi-level integrative framework," International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 13(3/4), pages 377-397.
  • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijeima:v:13:y:2011:i:3/4:p:377-397
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Katharina Fellnhofer & Kaisu Puumalainen & Helena Sjögrén, 0. "Entrepreneurial orientation in work groups – effects of individuals and group characteristics," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 0, pages 1-37.
    2. Katharina Fellnhofer, 2019. "The Complementary Effects Of Firms’ And Team Leaders’ Entrepreneurial Orientation On Innovation Success And Performance," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 23(05), pages 1-32, June.
    3. Abriham Ebabu Engidaw, 2021. "Exploring entrepreneurial culture and its socio-cultural determinants: in case of Woldia University graduating students," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 10(1), pages 1-15, December.
    4. Musso, Fabio & Francioni, Barbara, 2012. "The Influence Of Decision-Maker Characteristics On The International Strategic Decision-Making Process: An SME Perspective," MPRA Paper 50063, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. Tajeddin, Mahdi & Farashahi, Mehdi & Moghaddam, Kaveh & Simba, Amon & Edwards, Gwyneth, 2023. "Internationalization of Emerging Economy SMEs: A Tripod Approach," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 29(1).
    6. Katharina Fellnhofer & Kaisu Puumalainen & Helena Sjögrén, 2017. "Entrepreneurial orientation in work groups – effects of individuals and group characteristics," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 13(2), pages 427-463, June.

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