Service embeddedness and its role in a firm’s internationalisation process: An Australian perspective
International Journal of Operations & Production Management
ISSN: 0144-3577
Article publication date: 2 March 2015
Abstract
Purpose
Perceived differences in the composition of goods and services forms the basis of a significant degree of analysis of the firm internationalisation process. In particular, product inseparability is highlighted as a distinguishing feature of service offerings and purports to explain the different approaches to internationalisation strategy adopted by service firms. The research, however, proposes that the division of goods and services into distinct products is outmoded. Rather, it is important to understand the extent of service components that embody, or are embedded in, a product offering. The authors argue that this “service embeddedness” influences the process by which a firm internationalises. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on ten case studies of Australian international firms, this paper examines the impact of service embeddedness on a firm’s internationalisation process.
Findings
The research underlines that firms approach internationalisation with a view of ensuring that the various activities that combine to form their product offering are available to their international clients.
Research limitations/implications
From an academic perspective, a dichotomous approach to products (good or service) underestimates the role that embedded services have on a firm’s internationalisation process. The research, therefore, has implications for researchers and practitioners as it highlights the importance of delivering products internationally that comprise of both good and embedded service components.
Originality/value
The research develops a deeper understanding of the extent and nature of separability within individual product categories from international production and operations perspectives.
Keywords
Citation
Jack, R., As-Saber, S. and Edwards, R. (2015), "Service embeddedness and its role in a firm’s internationalisation process: An Australian perspective", International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 35 No. 3, pp. 346-369. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-05-2010-0121
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited