Thesis

Internationalism process behaviour of Thai SMEs : a contextual exploration into the major determinants

Creator
Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2012
Thesis identifier
  • T13270
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • This research examines the influence of cultural dissimilarity on the internationalisation process behaviour of indigenous Thai SMEs, focusing on the impact of culturally-derived risk perception on the way in which these firms selected their markets, their choice of entry mode, their pace of initial internationalisation, and the nature of their subsequent international expansion and development. The overarching aim of this study is to explore the applicability of internationalization process theory (developed primarily in the Anglo-European context) in the Thai societal/business context, and in to examine in particular how far any differences observed in the internationalisation process behaviour of Thai SMES are due to riskrelated perceptual variations. In pursuit of this objective an exploratory, interpretive methodology is pursued, using predominantly qualitative techniques for data collection and analysis sourced from eight SMEs. In-depth semi-structured interviews are adopted as the major means of data collection complement with observation, diary notes, and documentation from various secondary sources. There are a number of key findings from this research. Firstly, the examined Thai SMEs exhibit demonstrably differing patterns of internationalisation process behaviour from existing internationalisation process theories focused in open, global, primarily the Western or Anglo-European-based context, particularly USA, Sweden, Denmark, and Australia. Secondly, differing risk perception levels among my sample of SME managers/owners appears to affect significantly - specifically, inhibit - their internationalisation process behaviour, most obviously in their lack of progression (either to date or intended) to modes of market involvement/commitment beyond that of exporting. At the individual level there were also variations in risk-related behaviour among my sample managers - and these were found to affect their internationalisation process behaviour more indirectly, specifically as applied to their perceived lack of resource levels as well as their perceived lack of knowledge/understanding. In serving to identify and explicate these important factors this study contributes to the sparse but growing body of work which questions the cross-cultural applicability of existing internationalisation process models, particularly for the burgeoning cohort of SMEs not only in Thailand but right across the emerging Asian continent.
Resource Type
DOI
Date Created
  • 2012
Former identifier
  • 948512

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