Micromultinationals:: New Types of Firms for the Global Competitive Landscape

Abstract

In this article, we provide a preliminary discussion on the emerging phenomenon of micromultinationals (mMNEs). We argue that mMNEs constitute a distinct body of internationalised firms different from large multinationals and other types of internationalised small businesses, such as ‘global small firms’ and ‘international new ventures’. We suggest that the prevalence of mMNEs seems to be growing and we explore the objectives that the mMNE may seek. We also provide preliminary evidence of mMNE success characteristics based on the examination of five case firms in three countries: ‘envisage globally, strategise locally’ appears to be the philosophy that the investigated successful mMNEs espouse and follow. Implications for management and research in this largely unexplored area are discussed.