Is internationalisation really an available choice for micro firms producing cava and Prosecco Superiore? A cross-country, entrepreneurial action perspective
ISSN: 0007-070X
Article publication date: 15 September 2020
Issue publication date: 20 January 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine pathways towards, and the rationale behind internationalisation from the perspectives of micro firms' operators involved in the globally competitive wine industry. Moreover, drawing from entrepreneurial action theory, the study developed a theoretical framework to help understanding micro approaches and rationale for internationalisation.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through interviews with 19 micro winery owners and managers operating in the Prosecco Superiore (Italy) and cava industry (Spain).
Findings
Aligned with entrepreneurial action theory, uncertainty in participants' environment, coupled with the associated need to diversify through exports, were predominant drivers of internationalisation. However, internationalisation also emerged through non-deliberate channels, including through growth of wine tourism and increasing foreign wine enthusiasts. Thus, while entrepreneurial action through deliberate means triggered a stronger focus on internationalisation, other passive interventions beyond the control or influence of micro firms, but rather emerge serendipitously, can similarly spur direct action.
Originality/value
The study demonstrated its originality and value in various ways, fundamentally, addressing three knowledge gaps, thereby contributing to practical and theoretical discourses with corresponding value, including managerially. First, it extended literature focussing on micro firms, which as compared to small and medium enterprise research is much more limited. Second, it provided a comparative component, which is much rarer in contemporary research discussing internationalisation amongst micro firms. Third, the study proposed a theoretical framework stemming from the chosen inductive approach, thus, addressing concerns regarding the lack of theoretical rigour or depth in internationalisation activities amongst micro firms.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the reviewers for their insightful recommendations.
Citation
Duarte Alonso, A. and Kok, S.K. (2021), "Is internationalisation really an available choice for micro firms producing cava and Prosecco Superiore? A cross-country, entrepreneurial action perspective", British Food Journal, Vol. 123 No. 2, pp. 475-491. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-04-2020-0299
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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