Opening the “Black Box” of Firm De-internationalisation Processes: What Should We Still Know?

Objective: The purpose of the paper is to review extant research of firm de-internationalisation processes, considering the changing patterns in international operations, as well as the underlying decision-making logic.Methodology: The paper draws on two process perspectives in management research to refine the understanding of de-internationalisation process and provide a contribution to this still under-researched area. Contrary to many reviews of international management literature, the paper adopts a deductive analytical approach by applying theory-driven process perspectives to diagnose extant research, identify key developments and research gaps.Findings: In particular, decision-making processes still require a deeper exploration. The review provides a synthesis of extant knowledge on the antecedents, patterns and outcomes of de-internationalisation processes, which is of particularValue Added: By applying two different process approaches known from strategic management research, the paper presents a comprehensive review of existing studies, summarising the current stock of knowledge about both patterns of de-internationalisation and the underlying decision-making logic, and indicating certain gaps therein.Recommendations: The paper ends up with recommendations for future research, which relate to the subject of de-internationalisation processes, i.e. aspects of internationalization strategy which change, as well the nature of the underlying decision-making processes. interest for decision-makers responsible for international expansion.