TY  - JOUR
AB  - Purpose This paper aims to build on opportunity identification and resource-based view theory, this paper examines the internationalization process of family firms. The role of innovativeness in influencing the internationalization rate of family firms is explored in terms of customer responsiveness, proactiveness and risk-taking.Design/methodology/approach Multiple case studies were carried out with several family businesses in the information technology industry in Australia.Findings The findings of this research suggest that innovativeness of family firms depends on responsiveness to customer needs in the international market while involving a degree of risk-taking. In addition, the results suggest family firms are not proactive in their pursuit of international market opportunities.Research limitations/implications If family firms focus more on becoming more innovative, then they will stand a better chance to successfully enter more international markets.Originality/value The paper highlights the need for family firms to embrace their innovativeness as a distinctive capability for their internationalization efforts. Several new research directions that may enhance the understanding of family firm innovation and internationalization are suggested.
VL  - 27
IS  - 2
SN  - 2059-6014
DO  - 10.1108/RIBS-12-2016-0085
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/RIBS-12-2016-0085
AU  - Ratten Vanessa
AU  - Tajeddini Kayhan
PY  - 2017
Y1  - 2017/01/01
TI  - Innovativeness in family firms: an internationalization approach
T2  - Review of International Business and Strategy
PB  - Emerald Publishing Limited
SP  - 217
EP  - 230
Y2  - 2024/04/24
ER  -