International Strategy Research Articles

The Impact of Heterogeneity and Vulnerability on Family Firms’ Internationalization Strategy Shift

The Impact of Heterogeneity and Vulnerability on Family Firms’ Internationalization Strategy Shift

Development of Tax Avoidance Research in Asia through Bibliometric Analysis

This research employs a bibliometric analysis to investigate the development and trends in tax avoidance research, focusing specifically on the Asian context. Utilizing data from Google Scholar, the study covers literature published between 1938 and 2024. The analysis identifies key thematic clusters including corporate tax avoidance, international tax strategies, and legal frameworks, highlighting the evolution of research focus from foundational legal issues to complex multinational tax practices and ethical considerations. The study also uncovers underexplored areas such as the incentives driving tax avoidance behavior and the role of audit committees, presenting opportunities for future research. Furthermore, the author collaboration network reveals a landscape with significant yet underutilized potential for interdisciplinary cooperation. This comprehensive overview not only enhances understanding of the tax avoidance research landscape but also underscores the need for continued scholarly exploration and collaboration to address emerging challenges in the field.

Social media platforms use in startups’ international marketing strategies: a multiple case study

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate how social media support startups in accessing international markets and interacting with foreign customers and stakeholders, focusing primarily on the social network LinkedIn.Design/methodology/approachGiven the explorative research aim, the paper adopts a multiple case study approach, analyzing seven Italian food tech startups. 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted, also involving startup accelerators and a business angel to deepen the knowledge on the investigated phenomenon. In addition, a content analysis of the LinkedIn pages of the seven selected startups was conducted using NVivo 14 software.FindingsThe results of this study show that social media support startups to (1) diffuse brand awareness in international markets, (2) position their offering abroad and (3) develop relationships with international stakeholders to penetrate the local business. Furthermore, the main challenges and difficulties related to the use of social media by startups for these purposes were identified.Practical implicationsThis study provides useful managerial implications to enable startups to strategically use social media to access international markets and connect with key foreign networks. Also from a policy perspective, incentives to support the expansion and consolidation of startups into international markets are crucial.Originality/valueAlthough a vast literature has dealt with internationalization strategies, this study clarifies the role of social media in changing these dynamics speeding up startups’ access to foreign markets and identifying key local stakeholders.

SPORTS IN AUSTRALIA’S SOFT POWER STRATEGY: OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION BY OTHER COUNTRIES

Australia, being a successful example of using sports for foreign policy, has significantly improved its international influence in the Pacific region. Yet, political, cultural, and economic peculiarities can doubt the similar application of sports by other countries. This article examines Australia’s use of sports and sports diplomacy as key instruments of its international strategy. The purpose of the article is to analyze Australia’s use of sports within soft power efforts, explore its methods, principles, and frameworks, and evaluate whether this framework can be applied by other countries to achieve similar soft power objectives. This study performs a comprehensive review of literature, official Australian government publications, and specific case studies to understand the outcomes and applicability of the approach. The novelty of the research lies in its detailed examination of the specific conditions and strategies that have made Australia’s sports diplomacy successful. Key research findings highlight that Australia’s effective use of sports diplomacy is rooted in its effect of sports on national identity, strong sports culture, advanced infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and connections with communities, particularly within the Pacific region. The article proves that the 2015-18 and 2030 Sports Diplomacy Strategies have successfully fostered cultural, sports, and people-to-people connections and enhanced Australia’s influence and presence globally. The article concludes that while Australia’s sports diplomacy model is highly effective, its application by other countries may be challenging. The reasons refer to varying levels of national perception of sports, sports culture, financial resources, and international influence. For actors with similar conditions, a comprehensive approach is applicable, whereas for emerging and developing nations it may be best to adopt specific elements of the strategies depending on the needs and resources.

The Current Regulatory Environment for Software Used in Medical Devices: A Need for Refined International Strategies

In the fast-evolving landscape of healthcare technology, Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) has emerged as a transformative force, redefining how medical functionalities are delivered and accessed. From diagnostic algorithms to treatment monitoring applications, SaMD has ushered in a new era of innovation and patient care[1]. As this field continues to burgeon, regulatory frameworks play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and reliability of these digital health solutions[2]. In this editorial, we delve into the dynamic regulatory landscape of SaMD in both the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) nations and the United States (US), exploring the nuances and challenges that underscore the need for more refined strategies. By examining the regulatory intricacies and aligning them with technological advancements, we aim to shed light on the imperative of adaptive regulatory approaches that can harness the full potential of SaMD while safeguarding public health. A remarkable role of "software as a medical device" (SaMD) in contemporary healthcare software that is intended to be used for medical purposes but is not a component of a hardware medical device is referred to as "software as a medical device" (SaMD)[3]. SaMD is essential to contemporary healthcare since it makes it possible to use software applications for a variety of medical functions, diagnoses, treatments, and monitoring [4].

How host-country firms’ information transparency affects MNEs’ joint venture entry mode of OFDI: evidence from Chinese listed manufacturing firms

Purpose Information transparency is an important factor in enhancing trust and promoting interfirm cooperation. By combining transaction cost theory and institutional theory, this study aims to examines whether host-country firms’ information transparency prompt multinational enterprises’ (MNEs) to choose the joint venture entry mode for outward foreign direct investment (OFDI). Design/methodology/approach Using Heckman two-stage estimation method, this study examines Chinese listed manufacturing firms for the period 2014–2019. Findings The findings indicate that the higher the information transparency of host-country firms, the higher the possibility of MNEs choosing the joint venture entry mode for OFDI. This study further finds that the positive relationship between host country firms’ information transparency and the possibility of choosing the joint venture entry mode is enhanced by institutional distance, but weakened by MNEs’ host-country experience. Originality/value How to choose the appropriate entry mode of OFDI in the internationalization strategy is an important issue for MNEs to consider. As the postpandemic world is characterized by increased global risks, decoupling of economies, disruption of global value chains and the retreat of globalization (Contractor and Cantwell, 2022), how to further strengthen cooperation, reduce the cost and risk of MNEs and truly realize common construction and sharing is one of the hot issues in both practice and research.

Critical Policy Analysis of the Second Round of the Double First-Class Project in China

Purpose This critical policy analysis aims to comprehensively examine the second round of China's first-class discipline development project, commonly known as the “Double First-Class Project” (DFC Project or Shuang Yi Liu Project). Design/Approach/Methods We conducted desk research between May 2022 and December 2023 using relevant policy documents, academic literature, news sources, and commentaries that specifically focused on the second round of the DFC Project in China. Employing a critical policy analysis approach, we analyzed the gathered data from three key perspectives: policy as text, policy as discourse, and policy effects (including both first- and second-order effects). Findings The second round of the DFC Project was implemented within the context of strengthened state regulation, prevalent managerialism, and an emphasis on promoting education equality in China's higher education development. A notable shift in structural dynamics occurred between the first and second round. These include the possibility of universities being added to or removed from the official list, increased academic autonomy for selected universities, and the promotion of interdisciplinary research within specific institutions. The implementation of the second round of the DFC Project reflects China's commitment to developing an internationalization strategy with Chinese characteristics. This strategy aims to align with China's national strategic needs and position the country as a cooperative partner, promoter, competitor, and potential leader in global scholarship. Originality/Value By employing a critical policy analysis approach, this study offers a comprehensive examination of the second round of the DFC project in China, contributing to existing knowledge on the development of world-class university policies in the country.

Internationalization of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Best Practices and the Emerging Concept of Foreign Champion, an Empirical Investigation

This article introduces a new theoretical concept, the “foreign champion”, which attempts to solve the principal–agent problem and improve academic understanding of foreign market entry decisions by analyzing what experts in the field consider to be best practices. Based on empirical research into the determinants of SME internationalization success, semi-structured interviews (n = 12, t = 5 h 10 min.) were conducted with industry experts, including one academic, government officials, chamber and association leaders, a venture capitalist, and several CEOs, and key testimonies were studied using qualitative analysis software. The results shed light on effective internationalization strategies and common market entry mistakes. Despite the perception of saturation, the prominence of the experts, and the large sample, there may be limitations, such as not covering several regions. The originality of this study lies in its conceptual framework, the insights gained from the select interviews, and a new concept of foreign market entry.

Innovación organizacional en la estrategia de internacionalización en pymes vitivinícolas: El caso chileno

This investigation aims to determine the components of the organizational innovation in Chilean bottled wine SMEs, to strengthen the internationalization strategy in global markets, concerning the leading countries with international recognition. These results should help enhance competitiveness in cosmopolitan markets with wine tradition. In operational terms, it includes five stages: data collection from wine SMEs, instrument design (questionnaire), application of this instrument in companies through personalized field work, processing, analysis, and systematization of the collected data through office automation instruments—mainly the SPSS statistical program for a validation—and delivery of these results to each of the participant companies. As one of the primary outcomes, wine SMEs are gaining legitimacy through organization innovation as a corporate strategy to have opportunities to stay in national and international markets.

Can digitalisation balance the dual pressures of global integration and local response?

ABSTRACT As technological turbulence intensifies, multinational enterprises are facing dual pressures of global integration and local response (GI-LR) in terms of innovation and collaborative governance. However, the strategies and conditions for multinationals to cope with this situation are still uncertain. Through the outward foreign direct investment events of Chinese manufacturing listed companies in 2009–2019, the relationship between the digitalisation of multinational enterprises and balancing GI-LR pressure is empirically examined. Results show: (1) digitalisation has a positive impact on balancing GI-LR pressure through technology innovation and collaborative governance; (2) this relationship is moderated by organisational slack, industrial pressure attribute and the host country’s data policy restrictions; (3) digitalisation supports multinational enterprises to balance GI-LR pressure in a distant and unfamiliar institutional environment, and overcomes obstacles caused by lack of international experience. These findings enrich the understanding of the inner link between digital based business strategies and GI-LR based internationalisation strategies.

Causes and Effects of Social Media Engagement in Luxury Fashion Marketing: A Comparative Study Over the COVID Pandemic

This paper examines cross-country heterogeneities and over-time changes of the role of social media marketing (SMM) in the luxury fashion industry. A comprehensive literature review is conducted on customer value, purchase intention, and engagement motivation to understand the causes and effects of SMM. Based on the survey data in China and the United Kingdom, probit and oprobit regressions are employed to estimate the models of SMM. Results show that affectional and cognitive motives are the two primary drivers of SMM engagement in both countries. Chinese customers are more susceptible to SMM than their British counterparts, suggesting significant potential benefits of developing SMM strategies in China. Over time, SMM has become an irreversible trend of luxury brand management after the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Identified heterogeneities and changes call for differentiated international marketing strategies in different countries at different times.

Why are Turkish nurses migrating? A mixed-methods study.

This study aimed to identify the factors influencing nurses' migration patterns in Turkey. The flow of nurse migration from developing countries to developed countries is steadily increasing. As a result, countries that are sources of migration tend to develop domestic inequities with respect to the population's ability to access health services. In particular, fragile economic conditions and the pandemic triggered the migration of nurses from Turkey, a developing country. This study employed a mixed-method explanatory sequential design and was conducted in Turkey between April and November 2022. The decision to migrate was the focus of both the quantitative aspect, involving 237 participants, and the qualitative aspect, with 20 participants. Quantitative data were gathered through a questionnaire, and qualitative data were obtained using open-ended questions during in-depth individual interviews. We followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist in the quantitative phase and the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist in the qualitative phase. Descriptive statistics and thematic analyses were used to analyze the data. In the quantitative stage of the study, nurses' reasons for deciding to migrate were identified as economic conditions, working conditions, society's outlook on the profession, political factors, and professional growth opportunities. In the qualitative stage, four major themes influencing nurse migration patterns emerged: devaluation and poor collegiality in nursing; inadequate management support; negative work environment; and health, social, and economic policies. The results of the study showed that the three factors most influential in the decision to migrate were economic issues, a negative work environment, and political climate. In developing countries, there is an urgent need for nurse administrators and health workforce decision-makers to create healthy working conditions and manage resources efficiently, focusing on improving nurses' economic situations while developing appropriate nationwide and international strategies.

Management Dynamics and Global Strategy in Family Enterprise Strategy

The aim of this research is to emphasize how crucial it is for family companies to grow internationally. Despite the large amount of research that has been done in this field, there are still problems and chances for more study. This study includes six publications that use a variety of approaches, including qualitative case studies, fsQCA, and quantitative analysis of secondary data, to investigate the internationalization of family companies. The study examines the function of the board of directors in global strategy, the dynamics within the top management team between family owners and managers and non-family managers, the impact of financial resources and governance on internationalization strategy, and the influence of historical and contextual factors on internationalization choices. This study offers models and insights into how family firms adapt to shifting institutional and market conditions. and strategies to strengthen their global expansion efforts. The authors recommend conducting comparative studies between family and non-family businesses to identify their respective strengths and weaknesses in the context of internationalization.

“You're on your own, kid”: A critical analysis of Australian universities' international student mental health strategies

AbstractMental ill‐health is a serious and growing problem among university students in Australia. Within this cohort, international students are particularly vulnerable. International students in Australia have fewer social rights than domestic students and are at elevated risk of social isolation, exploitation in employment, precarious housing, financial insecurity, and racism and discrimination. When mental health challenges arise, international students are also less likely than their domestic counterparts to access support services. Against the backdrop of this escalating problem, this article presents a critical analysis of Australian universities' policy approaches to international student mental health. We ask: (a) How many universities have such policies publicly available, and (b) how do these policies understand and seek to address the problem of international student distress? Drawing on a documentary analysis of publicly available university mental health strategies, we find that—in the comparatively rare cases where such documents exist—international students' mental ill‐health is generally framed in these documents as an individual concern, placing the onus on individual students to develop “resilience” and/or seek out help. Leveraging theoretical insights concerning the collective production of (mental) health and illness, we caution that this individualisation of student distress naturalises and depoliticises the logics of financial exploitation and neglect that contribute to many international students' mental health problems to begin with.

Toward biodefence: a framework for the mitigation of malicious threats to livestock production enterprises in Australia

Biosecurity underpins the Australian agricultural sector, estimated to be worth $51 billion in exports and trade, $50 billion in tourism, $5.7 trillion in environmental assets, and more than 1.6 million jobs. Given the value to the Australian economy and the potential consequences of a deliberately introduced biological agent, measures to prevent malicious biosecurity threats are critical for national security. Using the framework of Situational Crime Prevention (SCP), the study examined recommended biosecurity practices for cattle production enterprises in Australia and explored the extent to which the Australian biosecurity framework is underpinned by preventative security. The study found the existing biosecurity framework has limited theoretical security underpinning and is constituted by practices primarily aimed at preventing naturally occurring and accidental threats, rather than an active preventative security approach at the farming level to mitigate threats of a malicious or deliberate nature. These findings identify a deficit in Australia’s national security approach to biosecurity in cattle production enterprises, establishing a need for biosecurity recommendations at an industry and primary production level to embed security theory and principles to account for malicious actors in alignment with international biodefence strategy. Subsequently, the study demonstrated how security theory can be applied to biosecurity and the agricultural sector more broadly and developed an SCP framework toward biodefence of agriculture, converging biosecurity and security as a bilateral approach to mitigating naturally occurring, accidental, and deliberate biosecurity threats.

INTERNATIONAL MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF TRAFFICKING OF WOMEN AND THE LEGAL ANGLE RELATED TO THIS

The research paper titled ‘‘International Mechanisms for Prevention of Trafficking of Women and The Legal Angle related to this" deals with the multifaceted and critical issue of trafficking of women, exploring the intricate web of international mechanisms and legal frameworks that seek to prevent and address this grave violation of human rights. The paper delves into the systemic factors, vulnerabilities, and repercussions of trafficking, with a specific focus on its disproportionate impact on women. The research systematically examines a range of international mechanisms, agreements, conventions, and protocols that have been established to combat trafficking, shedding light on the collaborative efforts of the nations and many international organizations to eradicate this heinous practice. This research paper examines the global frameworks established to prevent and address trafficking in women, and explores the legal dimensions and implications of these frameworks. Drawing on a comprehensive array of legal sources, case studies, and empirical data, the paper dissects the legal dimensions of trafficking, analysing the complexities of defining and prosecuting this crime on a global scale. It scrutinizes the challenges posed by differing legal definitions and interpretations across jurisdictions, highlighting the necessity for harmonization and standardization of legal frameworks to effectively address trafficking and provide justice for victims. The paper also investigates the vital role of international organizations, including the United Nations and its various agencies, in developing and executing strategies for prevention, victim protection, and prosecution. Ultimately, the research paper underscores the urgent necessity for a unified and coordinated international strategy to tackle the trafficking of women. It underscores the importance of aligning legal frameworks, enhancing cross-border cooperation, and fostering a global commitment to eradicating this abhorrent practice. By shedding light on the intricate web of international mechanisms and legal angles surrounding trafficking of women, the research paper contributes valuable insights and recommendations to the ongoing global efforts to prevent and address this deeply concerning violation of human rights.

해외 대학의 학부교육 개편 사례 비교 연구

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to explore the modification of the university model in three post-colonial institutions—the University of Hong Kong, the National University of Singapore, and the University of Melbourne—which share the legacy of the British undergraduate education model that emphasizes specialization in specific majors. This study aims to analyze the background and content of the recent undergraduate education reforms undertaken by these universities and to investigate the similarities and differences in their processes of transformation. [Methods] This study applied a multi-case analysis and compared commonalities and differences between case universities by analyzing various literature data (prior studies, research reports, media articles, university websites, and official documents. [Results] Common drivers for undergraduate education reform include global higher education norms that emphasize competence-based education to enhance graduate employability and bolster internationalization strategies. Consequently, all case universities reinforced the general education component and increased flexibility in curriculum structure, moving away from the British legacy of specialization in specific disciplines. However, the specific drivers and content of the reforms varied depending on the institutional context, resulting in each case university developing distinct formats of undergraduate education models. [Conclusion] The results of this study revealed that, although the case universities incorporated various components from the US education model, these borrowing practices did not necessarily result in homogeneity among the three institutions. Furthermore, the study identified a hybridity in the university education models of some case universities, which selectively integrated educational models from various regions during the process of undergraduate education reform. Based on these findings, theoretical and policy implications were presented.

DYNAMICS OF THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINEAN WAR. AN ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT ON FUTURE SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY

In the context of geopolitical developments and international tensions, the war in Ukraine is a crucial contemporary reference point, capturing the attention of the international community by its complexity and scale. This conflict, which began in 2014 following the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation and intensified in the eastern regions of Ukraine, has generated a series of profound transformations in the landscape of security and international relations. Detailed analysis of the dynamics of the Russian-Ukrainian war becomes essential for understanding its long-term implications for security and defence policies. This analytical process is not limited to investigating the conflict itself, but extends to assessing how events in Ukraine have shaped and will continue to shape national and international security strategies. Shaping future security and defence policy in Europe, with direct implications for Romania, given its position on the border with Ukraine and its membership of NATO, should be based on a comprehensive and coordinated approach.

Institutionalizing international internships in business education: an action research approach to overcoming barriers and driving systemic change in Norwegian business schools

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the institutionalization of international internships in business education through action research (AR), addressing the scarcity of research on overcoming institutional barriers and driving systemic change. Using AR at the meso-level in two Norwegian business schools, we investigate challenges and processes involved in incorporating international internships into curricula. Our multiple-case study explores contrasting experiences, organizational structures, and institutional practices within Norway’s context. We reveal the interconnectedness of regulative, normative, and cultural-cognitive institutional pillars in institutionalizing international internships through meso-level AR, proposing a theoretical model emphasizing internationalization strategy drivers, practices of education and engagement, and organizational dynamics. Practical implications include fostering a culture of global competence development, promoting active learning and innovative pedagogy, and encouraging shared responsibility for internationalization among academic and administrative staff. We emphasize the need for continuous reassessment and adaptation of institutional processes and strategies to align with evolving demands and best practices.

Стратегии выхода российских организаций на международные рынки в изменившихся внешнеэкономических условиях

The change in the system of world economic communications as a result of sanction policy towards Russia and its allied countries forces enterprises and organizations to prove strategies of entry into foreign markets for the purpose of income generation and inclusion in new value chains. Therefore, the purpose of this research is the comparative analysis of factors and assessment of the application of international market entry strategies of Russian IT companies. Qualitative and quantitative methods of economic research were applied to achieving this goal. Qualitative methods included PESTEL analysis, situation and comparative analysis. Quantitative methods included the cost-benefit method, statistical techniques and economic analysis methods. Tabular and graphic approaches are used for text visualization. In this research the factors influencing organizations activity in the international sphere and also the main foreign market entry strategies of IT companies were analyzed. Comparative analysis revealed benefits and shortcomings of each strategy, taking into account modern forms of business and currency risks. For the Russian IT company producing software three strategies were evaluated: export, franchising and direct investments. The choice of the IT industry for considering international market entry strategies of Russian organizations is proven. It is necessary to separate the development of new technologies and infrastructure, existence of financial resources and pressure of economic sanctions from the factors influencing this process. Of the three strategies analyzed, the lowest-cost and lowest-profit strategy was the franchising strategy; it can be used when there is a shortage of financial resources. For “growth hacking” the expensive, but highly profitable strategy of direct investment taking into account currency hedging is applicable. Proceeding from the analysis of the influencing factors and legal conditions of the Russian Federation it is expedient to follow the strategy of average profitable export for ensuring company development. The practical application of strategies for organizations to enter foreign markets is a multifaceted object of research that requires a comprehensive analysis of various aspects of business expansion. The received results will help companies make weighed decisions when choosing the optimum strategy for expanding their business in the international market.