Internationalisation of family enterprises: the role of entrepreneurial orientation and international growth orientation

Abstract

The determinants of foreign market entry and success among family-controlled small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have not received much attention in research, and especially the role of strategic orientations noted crucial in international entrepreneurship, is still unclear in the family business context. In this study, we respond to these omissions by examining a sample of 169 family-controlled Finnish SMEs across five industry sectors. The data are analysed via binary logistic and linear regression modelling. The results find that the internationalisation propensity and degree of internationalisation among the family businesses are impacted by higher levels of international growth orientation. Innovativeness explains the likelihood of having international operations, but entrepreneurial orientation does not impact the internationalisation outcomes. International growth orientation is found to not determine the international performance of the companies. We discuss the theoretical and managerial implications of the results, which contribute to the literature on family businesses and international entrepreneurship.