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International entrepreneurship in the network economy: Internationalization propensity and the role of entrepreneurial orientation

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Abstract

This study aims to analyze the conditions of the initial internationalization decision in the network economy. Based on the information systems, international entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurship literature, factors, which constitute the internationalization propensity, are elicited. The results of this study suggest that a holistic perspective including the founder, business model, and the firm should be considered when explaining the internationalization propensity of entrepreneurs. Our analysis also shows that, depending on the entrepreneur’s entrepreneurial orientation, the internationalization propensity varies. Data were obtained by conjoint analysis experiments conducted with German network economy entrepreneurs.

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Notes

  1. For example, Fabian’s (2005) work achieved 21 objects and Patzelt (2006), testing biotech managers’ decisions to seek new strategic alliances, reached 51 cases. In the venture capital field, Shepherd (1999) had a completed sample of 66 and Hitt and Tyler (1991) one of 65 managers.

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Acknowledgments

We are grateful to the chief editor, Professor Hamid Etemad, and the anonymous reviewers of the Journal of International Entrepreneurship, for their thoughtful suggestions and insightful comments on an earlier version of this paper.

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  1. University of Duisburg-Essen, Campus Essen, Universitätsstraβe 9, 45141, Essen, Germany

    Tobias Kollmann

  2. Hewlett-Packard GmbH, HP Enterprise Services, 40880, Ratingen, Germany

    Julia Christofor

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  1. Tobias Kollmann
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  2. Julia Christofor
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Correspondence to Julia Christofor.

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Kollmann, T., Christofor, J. International entrepreneurship in the network economy: Internationalization propensity and the role of entrepreneurial orientation. J Int Entrep 12, 43–66 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10843-013-0118-9

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