International Business Perspective Research Articles

Socioeconomic Impact of A2 Milk Production in Colombia and Its Projection in The International Market

This study focuses on investigating the socioeconomic impact of A2 milk production in Colombia and its projection on an international scale, with a focus on international business. The main objective is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the state of the art related to the commercialization of A2 milk in the Colombian dairy sector, exploring its implementation at a global level, consumption trends, sustainability, and target audience, to consolidate current knowledge in this area. The methodology is based on the collection of various sources of knowledge, covering studies from 2010 to 2023, relevant documents, bibliographic references, business magazines, and previous studies on the adoption of the production of this alternative in different countries, using specialized databases. Specific keywords linked to A2 milk, dairy marketing, consumption trends, and the national and international dairy market are used, facilitating the collection of references and the corresponding analysis through an inductive method. The content addresses crucial issues such as diversification of milk production, innovation in dairy products, and consumption alternatives for a wider population, as well as opportunities and challenges present in Colombian dairy production. In essence, this work seeks to provide a detailed analysis of the commercialization of A2 milk internationally and in Colombia, identifying significant patterns that can contribute to its implementation in the Colombian market and facilitate its expansion globally in the context of international business. In conclusion, the comprehensive research addresses the socioeconomic impact of A2 milk production in Colombia and its international projection from an international business perspective. The comprehensive literature review and data collection have provided a complete picture of the consumption trends, sustainability, and target audience associated with the commercialization of this dairy alternative.

Can International Business Perspective Measure Sustainable Development of BRICS Countries? A Panel Data Analysis

The level of international business is highly dependent on the numerous macroeconomic and sustainable development factors that play their respective roles in defining a developing nation's economic progress. While examining the long-term growth of an economy, the consistency of the performance of the various elements in terms of their sustainability is a crucial matter to investigate. Moreover, it is known that the sustainable development of an economy is strongly associated with environmental impacts. Finally, the focus on new development patterns must be the highest concern for emerging economies. Considering this, the current study speculates on the relationship between foreign direct investment and the interaction effect of carbon emissions and poverty with control variables such as per capita income and education in BRICS economies. It concentrates on panel data ranging from 1993 to 2019 to explore the association among the said variables. It identifies the unique and definite macroeconomic parameters that are crucial for encouraging foreign direct investment in different countries. Applying the Panel Auto Regressive Distributed Lag Model, the study finds a positive interaction effect between carbon emissions and poverty that focuses on improving foreign direct investment in the long run. In the short run, an increase in per capita income always proves that BRICS will demonstrate less dependence on FDI net flows. The study also concentrates on the unit root measurement of the data by applying Panel Unit Root Test. Finally, to check the direction of causality, Pairwise Dumitrescu Hurlin Panel Causality Tests have been performed. The most recent update from these countries demonstrates that the strategy for achieving future sustainable economic growth is clear and swift. Hence, it emphasises the requirement of separate and exclusive policy-making to promote long-term sustainable economic growth in BRICS.

Evaluation of Global Immigration Movements From an International Business Perspective

Bu makale, küresel göç ve uluslararası işletmecilik alanına yansımalarını incelemektedir. Küresel göç ve ticari faaliyetlerin kesişme noktasındaki çok yönlü etkilerin, stratejik uyarlamaların ve ortaya çıkan eğilimlerin kapsamlı bir analizini sunmaktadır. Bireylerin sınır ötesi hareketiyle karakterize edilen küresel göç, ekonomik fırsatlar ve jeopolitik olaylardan çevresel değişiklikler ve sosyal isteklere kadar çeşitli faktörler tarafından yönlendirilmektedir. Uluslararası işletmeler de bu süreci şekillendiren aktif katılımcılar olarak demografik değişimler, yetenek hareketliliği, kültürel çeşitlilik ve sosyoekonomik dönüşümlerde pay sahibi olmakta, bunlardan kaynaklanan zorlukların üstesinden gelmekte ve fırsatları değerlendirmektedir. Küresel göçün uluslararası iş dünyası üzerindeki etkileri derin ve geniş kapsamlıdır. Göçmenler, ev sahibi ekonomilere farklı uzmanlık, yenilikçi düşünce ve yeni bakış açıları katabilirken sınır ötesi iş birliğini teşvik etmekte ve kültürel çeşitliliği artırmaktadır. Uluslararası işletmeler için bu etkiler işgücü piyasaları, şirket stratejileri, inovasyon dinamikleri ve yetenek yönetimi alanlarında da kendini göstermektedir. İleriye baktığımızda, teknoloji odaklı hareketlilik, nitelikli göçmenlik rekabeti ve iklim kaynaklı göç gibi yeni trendler uluslararası işletmeciliği yeniden şekillendirmeye hazırlanmaktadır. İşletmeler, sürekli gelişen küresel ortamda başarılı olmak için uyarlanabilirliği, kültürel duyarlılığı ve teknolojik yenilikçiliği benimseyerek uyum sağlamalıdır. Yenilikçilik, ekonomik büyüme ve toplumsal kapsayıcılık yoluyla işletmeler ve toplumlar küresel göçün olumlu etkilerinden yararlanabilirler.

Backshoring, offshoring and staying at home: evidence from the UK textile and apparel industry

Despite the rising interest for backshoring strategies by mass media, policy makers and public debates, academic research on the topic is relatively recent and still characterised by significant research gaps. Empirical evidence is scarce and often anecdotal, with a lack of studies focusing on specific industries and small-sized firms. Theoretical explanations are also fragmented with many unanswered questions. In particular, much of the existing literature has explored backshoring as a stand-alone phenomenon, independently from other production location strategies. In an attempt to fill these research gaps, we rely upon data from an original survey with around 700 firms from the UK textile and apparel industry to investigate different interrelated factors that influence backshoring strategies relative to offshoring and staying at home choices, within an analytical framework drawn from different international business perspectives, including operations and supply chain management. The paper contributes to the extant literature on backshoring by providing new empirical evidence based on originally collected firm-level data and focused on a single country and industry where smaller (and less studied) firms tend to prevail. Moreover, it helps strengthen the understanding of the phenomenon from a perspective which takes into consideration internationalisation as a non-linear process where firms adjust production location strategies based on a variety of changing conditions.

Money laundering as a transnational business phenomenon: a systematic review and future agenda

Purpose Money laundering continues to emerge as a transnational phenomenon that has harmful consequences for the global economy and society. Despite the theoretical and practical magnitude of money laundering, international business (IB) research on the topic is scarce and scattered across multiple disciplines. Accordingly, this study aims to advance an integrated understanding of money laundering from the IB perspective. Design/methodology/approach The authors conduct a systematic review of relevant literature and qualitatively analyze the content of 57 studies published on the topic during the past two decades. Findings The authors identify five streams (5Cs) of research on money laundering in the IB context: the concept, characteristics, causes, consequences and controls. The analysis further indicates six theoretical approaches used in the past research. Notably, normative standards and business and economics theories are dominant in the extant research. Research limitations/implications The authors review the literature on an under-researched but practically significant phenomenon and found potential for advancing its theoretical foundations. Hence, the authors propose a 5Cs framework and a future agenda for research and practice by introducing 21 future research questions and two plausible theories to help study the phenomenon more effectively in the future. Practical implications In practical terms, the study extends the understanding of the money laundering phenomenon and subsequently helps mitigating the problem of money laundering in the IB environment, along with its harmful economic and societal impacts. Originality/value The authors offer an integrative view on money laundering in the IB context. Additionally, the authors emphasize wider discussions on money laundering as a form of mega-corruption.

SDoC와 상호호혜인정 확산을 통한 한국 적합성 평가 경쟁력 구축 전략

Purpose : The common international language of trade is 'Standard'. Conformity assessment activities, such as certification, inspection, testing, and approval, are closely related to the standards and build confidence in the products and services that consumers or end users purchase. For this reason, conformity assessments are essential in operating a company in the global market and play a significant role in international trade transactions of goods and services. Research design, data and methodology : This study approached the concept of conformity assessment, technology theory, and international business perspective through previous studies. Korean and international conformity assessment-related systems were analyzed. The results were derived from literature research by dividing the SDoC 1st party inspection activity and Mutual Recognition 2nd party and 3rd party inspection activities. Results : Korea's conformity assessment diffusion strategy was proposed in response to the era of international standardization competition. First, to respond quickly to the standardization competition of major powers, the Supplier Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) system for cooperative suppliers should be urgently applied and expanded. In other words, the conformity assessment system should be strengthened by spreading self-reports of primary suppliers to expand Korea's conformity assessment procedure, which plays a vital role in the international trade process, and implement it on the international stage. Second, international standards, standards, and relevant regulations must be strictly and reliably observed and implemented for the spread of conformity assessments. Third, international applicability must be secured through an international mutual recognition agreement for conformity assessment activities. Finally, to establish such a system and eliminate overlapping risks, the government should establish a national organization that can serve as a government-wide control tower that can lead and efficiently manage conformity assessment activities beyond the enactment and revision stage of application standards. This is necessary. Conclusions : The core of this thesis is recognizing the importance of conformity assessment activities and proliferation, which are essential intangible assets of exporting companies. Compared to previous domestic and overseas studies, the academic and practical implications of this study are as follows. Although research on the SDoC self-conformity declaration system has been conducted, there is no case suggesting a specific spread method. In addition, it will be possible for manufacturing companies to apply the mutually beneficial recognition suggested in the study to achieve high performance in the global overseas export market. Moreover, it will be possible to realize realistic profits for exporting companies through cost reduction and shortening of the period required for export and conformity assessment procedures, and it will also provide practical implications in that there is a need and value for continuous improvement in the future. However, for competing countries, such as China, which is using its standards and diffusion strategy by presenting the 14.5th manufacturing standard 2035 strategy, the Korean government should strive to realize the conformity assessment diffusion strategy presented in this study through diplomatic and trade negotiations in the future. In conclusion, this study is significant because it recognized the importance of the international conformity assessment process and provided an effective way to spread the Korean conformity assessment system and its detailed role.

Working toward the sustainable development goals in earnest – critical international business perspectives on designing and implementing better interventions

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to reflect on the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) framework as a milestone for concerted efforts to tackle the underlying grand challenges.Design/methodology/approachThis viewpoint is predominantly conceptual in nature. However, this study adapts the University of Auckland's SDG key words to broadly map existing international business research in each SDG category across nine journals.FindingsThe SDG framework offers a positive and inclusive way forward to integrate social and environmental with economic aspects in the field of international business.Originality/valueThe inclusive nature of the SDG framework may achieve what previous labels such as social value creation and corporate social responsibility could not. It offers a path where integrating social and environmental with economic perspectives does not need to threaten the identity of the field. The SDG mapping exercise across nine selected journals clearly demonstrates that mainstream, economically focused research can continue to make valuable contributions to the SDGs as long as the discipline allows more room for integrators.

Innovation for Impact: An International Business Perspective on Transforming the United Nations

While intrapreneurship and scaling are key themes in the International Business (IB) discussion, our research is the first to show how these concepts manifest in the context of the United Nations and how learnings from IB may be transferred. The United Nations (UN) organizations are tasked with solving the world’s pressing and difficult problems. These organizations are major players in international governance and are characterized by bureaucratic, globally dispersed and politically driven structures, but are hardly ever considered in IB research. The UN organizations are struggling to create innovative approaches to fulfil their core missions in today’s digital world and evidence shows that intrapreneurship and scaling innovation will be critical for transformation.

MNE post‐entry institutional strategies in emerging markets: An organizational field position perspective

AbstractIn this paper, we leverage the concept of organizational field, currently under‐explored in international business literature, to understand how multinational enterprises (MNEs) from developed markets (DMs) strategically manage their institutional context in emerging markets (EMs). To develop theoretical arguments, we focus on institutional strategies and theorize how and to what extent MNEs in central, peripheral, and intermediate field positions engage with host country institutions in EMs. Using an international business perspective, organizational theory, and illustrations from EMs, we develop a dynamic view of field positions to identify how MNEs' intermediate repositioning trajectories in between the field's center and the periphery, driven by environmental and corporate factors, lead to the associated changes in the form and scope of institutional strategies deployed in EMs. In doing so, we offer testable propositions for future research.

International business perspectives from around the world

International business perspectives from around the world

Institutional impacts on firm performance

The paper aims to study the influence of the institutional determinants on the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). First, Kosovo as one emerging economy and country in transition is analysed from the international business perspective. The main institutional factors faced by SMEs in Kosovo that are involved in international trade will be discussed based on new institutional theory. The study is based on interviews of firms in Kosovo, using a semi structured questionnaire, conducted in 2015. The econometric findings show that barriers caused by low levels of professional and ethics of officials in respective institutions, as well as frequent changes in complicated laws and regulations, have significant impact on higher transaction costs, which in turn represents a direct obstacle to the further growth of SMEs.

The role of business models in firm internationalization: An exploration of European electricity firms in the context of the energy transition

This article ties in directly with recently intensified interest in business models in international business (IB), using the energy transition as empirical context to explore their relevance in firm internationalization. The global energy transition presents a challenge for almost all industries, but some face specific difficulties particularly important from an IB perspective. We study a set of European firms that used to operate in a highly regulated context with (partial) state ownership, until government-directed market liberalization started to allow further competition and internationalization. Existing firms were prompted to adapt their business models to these changes, with new ventures entering the market to reap opportunities with novel energy-related technologies and business models. Linking insights from strategic management to the IB literature, we conceptualize business model-related specific advantages (BMSAs), and explore the role of BMSAs in the internationalization of the firms in our sample. We also uncover barriers to BMSA recombination in (potential) host countries, consider BMSA location-boundedness, and discuss implications for firms’ international expansion by presenting a new framework. Consequences for the energy transition and the actors already involved and (in)directly confronted with it are explicated, while outlining promising areas for further research, building on the insights and limitations of our study.

An examination of sustainable development of supply chain using foreignness perspective

AbstractThis multidisciplinary paper examines the sustainability of supply chain partners from a foreignness perspective. The arguments draw from the research on institutional theory to explain the underlying mechanisms. We propose and discuss a comprehensive conceptual framework evaluating the relationships of foreignness to economic, social, and environmental sustainability. In addition, we consider contingent factors such as the level of development of supplier's nation, level of global integration of buyer, and type of industry, on sustainable development of focal firms. The direct and contingency frameworks introduced in this paper are presented along with research propositions that provide valuable insight into the sustainable supply chain management from the international business perspective.

How innovation intermediaries support start-up internationalization: a relational proximity perspective

PurposeThis paper aims to examine how innovation intermediary activities increase relational proximity between start-ups and foreign partners to support start-up internationalization.Design/methodology/approachThe paper applies a case study methodology to examine an international network of innovation intermediaries in the resources sector. Interviews were conducted with 59 start-ups, corporate and intermediary managers in four countries, supplemented by secondary data. A two-stage analysis process was performed to first identify activities relating to start-up internationalization and then apply a theoretically derived coding framework based on five proximity dimensions.FindingsThe case identifies several innovation intermediary activities, which facilitate relationship development between start-ups and partners in new markets. Findings outline how activities increase relational proximity across different dimensions, while also indicating a number of interrelations between dimensions, given the complexity of international business relationships.Originality/valueThis paper establishes interdisciplinary bridges between business networks, international business and economic geography perspectives. It provides a valuable empirical foundation for relational proximity, demonstrating its application to understanding start-up internationalization and its influence by intermediary-led activities.

Managing uncertainty during a global pandemic: An international business perspective

Despite the perennial need to understand and manage uncertainty in international business, there is no comprehensive framework that incorporates different types of uncertainty, their antecedents and outcomes, and the different coping strategies used by managers and their outcomes. This makes it difficult for international business managers to understand the types of uncertainty in their businesses and develop appropriate strategies to deal with it effectively, especially during times such as the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. This paper uses an extensive review of the international business literature to address the above research gap by identifying the different types of uncertainty, their antecedents and outcomes, the coping strategies used to mitigate their impact, and the consequences of these actions. The authors also use examples from the current Covid-19 crisis to assess the firms’ responses and their consequences. The paper concludes with some implications for international business managers and directions for future research.

Multinational enterprises and corporate tax planning: A review of literature and suggestions for a future research agenda

Corporate tax planning by the multinational enterprise (MNE), that is, the MNE’s ability to plan its tax affairs by using a multitude of strategies to reduce its tax bills legally, is a central research question in the literatures of international business, public economics, tax, finance, law and accounting. Underlying theoretical assumptions, approaches to empirical testing, profit shifting estimation strategies and findings are varied. Thus, it is important to conduct a critical literature review. In this paper, we offer new insights by studying the phenomenon from the international business (IB) perspective. We survey the academic literature on the MNE and corporate tax planning to examine the extent of knowledge on this topic and identify areas that we hope will stimulate interest among IB scholars for further research. We find materials across disciplines that are relevant to IB readers. We examine 120 articles in 51 scholarly journals and classic books published during the period 1966-2017. We identify the key mechanisms and the firm characteristics that may influence corporate tax planning. We suggest a research agenda where IB research can make clear contributions.

The multinationality and performance relationship: Revisiting the literature and exploring the implications

The relationship between the degree of multinationality (M) and performance (P) of multinational enterprises (MNEs) is a central research question in the literatures of international business, management, strategy, and finance in the past 50 years. However, theoretical foundations and empirical findings are far from being in unison. Thus, it is necessary to conduct a critical review. We offer new insights by combining international business, accounting and finance perspectives in our review. We examine 160 articles in 43 scholarly journals and classic books published during the period 1960-2017. We use an inductive approach and a qualitative content analysis methodology. We review the extant literature and identify eight key inconsistencies, which may cause ambiguity in the findings. These include the deficiency of direct evidence to substantiate the arguments of benefits and costs of internationalization on performance, inherent limitations in the conceptualization and measurements of M, P, intangible assets, geographic research contexts and methodologies. We make eight recommendations for future research to address these inconsistencies.

Class-attendance and Online-tests Results: Reflections for Continuous Assessment

ABSTRACTSometimes class-attendance is a component (or requirement) to benefit from the continuous assessment. The objective of this study is to evidence that some students seem to be getting unfairly penalized for nonattendance. To address this issue, we provide alternative assessment solutions taking into account the different profiles of the students. This study is based on the performance in online tests undertaken in a subject of Financial Accounting taught in English in two groups at Valencia University (from Spain). This subject is especially important for International Business (IB) as managers make decisions based on financial information. In this course, students learn about the legal accounting framework, from a national and IB perspective (i.e., national standards and International Financial Reporting Standards). Difficulty of course contents, students’ study time, students’ university access mark, age, and class-attendance are determining factors of the mark obtained in online tests if we take into account all the students. However, for the students whose marks are the best and second best grades, only the difficulty of course contents, study time, age and parents’ studies are significant factors. Evidence is found that attendance improves online test performance significantly for the whole group of students, yet this factor is not significant considering only the best performing students. Our findings justify that the continuous assessment system should only require a specific level of attendance if the online test performance drops below a certain grade (for instance the second best grade). That way, these students would have an extra motivation to attend classes but better performing students who are keeping best and second grades in their online tests will not get penalized if classes are missed as long as they keep performing well.

The multiplicity of international corporate social responsibility standards

Purpose This paper aims to examine the multiplicity of corporate social responsibility (CSR) standards, explaining its nature, dynamics and implications for multinational enterprises (MNEs) and international business (IB), especially in the context of CSR and global value chain (GVC) governance. Design/methodology/approach This paper leverages insights from the literature in political science, policy, regulation, governance and IB; from the own earlier work; and from an inventory of CSR standards across a range of sectors and products. Findings This analysis’ more nuanced approach to CSR standard multiplicity helps distinguish the different categories of standards; uncovers the existence of different types of standard multiplicity; and highlights complex trends in their evolution over time, discussing implications for the various firms targeted by, or involved in, these initiatives, and for CSR and GVC governance research. Research limitations/implications This paper opens many avenues for future research on CSR multiplicity and its consequences; on lead firms governing GVCs from an IB perspective; and on institutional and market complexity. Practical implications By providing overviews and classifications, this paper helps clarify CSR standards as “new regulators” and “instruments” for actors in business, society and government. Originality/value This paper contributes by filling gaps in different existing literatures concerning standard multiplicity. It also specifically adds a new perspective to the IB literature, which thus far has not fully incorporated the complexity and dynamics of CSR standard multiplicity in examining GVCs and MNE strategy and policy.

How misconduct in business contributes to understanding the supply side of corruption in international business

PurposeThis study aims to offer a better understanding of supply side of bribery and corruption in an international business perspective by conceptualizing it in the narrower concept of misconduct in business (MIB) derived from the deontological perspective to business ethics.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use a case study methodology of professionals working within Canadian mining multinational corporations operating in Africa. The authors conducted 2 focus groups, 25 in-depth interviews, document search and an open-ended questionnaire to 15 professionals. Further, they drew on a combination of the classic relationalist sociological framework and its recent revision, that they named the relationalism-substantialism framework to analyze the data.FindingsThe triangulated empirical data show that the reason why MIB in the form of bribery supply occurs is not exclusively tied to any given perspective, whether the individual, the organization or the wider societal context. Rather, these different layers are tightly intertwined and interact with each other for the supply of bribery to occur.Originality/valueAlthough the three siloed perspectives of MIB have been studied in the literature, they have not been addressed in relation to one another, and even less with a relationalism-substantialism framework. Yet, this perspective contributes compellingly to the understanding of the supply side in bribery. The authors propose a net of conceptually related constructs that intervene in the process of bribery supply occurrence, namely relationality influenced by institutional dysfunctionality and conflation and substantiality through agency and culture.