International marketing agility: conceptualization and research agenda

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to conceptualize the notion of international marketing agility.Design/methodology/approachThe approach adopted is to review and create a synopsis of the existing body of research on strategic agility and develop a conceptualization on how international marketing agility (IMA) should be analyzed.FindingsInternational marketing agility is an emerging concept driven largely by rapid changes in global markets. There is a growing need for exporting SMEs and multinational enterprises to consider IMA as a means of building competitive advantage in foreign markets.Research implications/limitationsWhile the conceptual development presented in this paper is not exhaustive, our model highlights important research avenues in IMA that need exploring.Originality/valueThis article examines an emerging concept in international marketing that serves as a platform to cope with the changes taking place in this fast-changing global environment. A framework is proposed where we conceptualize IMA as a process triggered by agile logic (a nonconformist and open mental stance) and facilitated by agile learning (being able to search and interpret data), to cause agile actions (being able to commit, co-ordinate and respond quickly with flexibility to ever-changing conditions).