Title: Learning and strategic flexibility as drivers of the internationalisation process of firms in emerging countries

Authors: J.A. Gudziol-Vidal; M.T. Canet-Giner; F. Balbastre-Benavent; N. Escribá-Carda

Addresses: Department of Business Administration, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain ' Department of Business Administration, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain ' Department of Business Administration, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain ' Department of Business Administration, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of strategic flexibility in the relationship between learning and the first stage of company internationalisation, that is, exports. We propose a mediating effect of strategic flexibility in this link. The empirical study consisted of a survey conducted among exporting Colombian firms. We used a structural model to analyse data, which was estimated through Partial Least Squares Path Modelling (PLSPM). The sample involved 206 Colombian companies. Results confirmed that the relationship between learning and the export intensity and scope takes place when the company develops the capability to be strategically flexible. Our findings support the mediating effect of strategic flexibility in the relationship between learning and a firm's exports. The results obtained in this study may serve as a reference for organisations that are strategically expanding their activities in the international arena, particularly for Latin-American firms.

Keywords: learning; exports; strategic flexibility; emerging economy.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIM.2024.140295

European Journal of International Management, 2024 Vol.24 No.1, pp.55 - 77

Received: 03 May 2019
Accepted: 16 Jan 2020
Published online: 02 Aug 2024 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article