Closing knowledge gaps in foreign markets

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Petersen, Bent; Pedersen, Torben; Lyles, Marjorie A.
• 署名单位: Copenhagen Business School; Indiana University System; Indiana University Indianapolis; IU Kelley School of Business
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STUDIES
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0047-2506
• DOI: 10.1057/palgrave.jibs.8400409
• 发表日期: 2008
• 页码: 1097-1113
• 关键词: knowledge gaps; Foreign market entry; overconfidence; absorptive capacity

摘要

Knowledge and learning are ascribed pivotal roles in firms' internationalization processes: perceived market uncertainties, namely knowledge gaps related to business environments in foreign markets, may curb firms' inclinations to commit resources to these markets. This study explores whether knowledge gaps tend to increase or decrease with time when operating in the foreign market, and it discusses which learning components narrow - or widen - the perceived knowledge gap. A theoretical model is developed based on the internationalization process view and the more recent organizational learning perspective, including such concepts as overconfidence and absorptive capacity. The theoretical model is tested on a set of primary data covering Danish and Swedish firms and their foreign market operations. The results suggest a more subtle relationship between experience and perceived knowledge gaps than the mechanical'' relationship portrayed by the internationalization process view - a relationship in which absorptive capacity and, in particular, overconfidence play important roles.