Organizational learning, unlearning and re-internationalization timing: differences between emerging- versus developed-market MNEs

Surdu, I. and Narula, R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4266-2681 (2021) Organizational learning, unlearning and re-internationalization timing: differences between emerging- versus developed-market MNEs. Journal of International Management, 27 (3). 100784. ISSN 1075-4253 doi: 10.1016/j.intman.2020.100784

Abstract/Summary

Not all firms are successful in internationalising their operations; many withdraw, and some make a second attempt (after an appropriate ‘time-out’). We compare the re-internationalisation of emerging market multinationals (EMNEs) with developed market multinationals (DMNEs) to investigate key differences. Although DMNEs may have greater experience in internationalization, with supposedly superior market-specific knowledge based on experience, this does not always have positive effects and may be a disadvantage for re-entry. We find that not all types of market-specific experience are beneficial for re-entry. Being able to unlearn past experience associated with the initial entry may be just as valuable an FSA for re-entrants. EMNEs are not necessarily at a disadvantage when re-internationalizing because, compared to their developed market counterparts, they have less to ‘unlearn’ as they often lack deeply embedded routines associated with international heritage. We also find EMNEs are less deterred by under-performance from the initial entry, and are likely to re-internationalize more quickly than DMNEs. EMNEs, given their newness and absence of deeply embedded routines, are less likely to be victims of inertia.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/91279
Identification Number/DOI	10.1016/j.intman.2020.100784
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Henley Business School > International Business and Strategy
Publisher	Elsevier
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