Factors Influencing the Internationalization of Services Firms: The Case of Design, Engineering and Architecture Consulting Firms

• Type: Article in International Conference Proceedings Book
• Date: 2013

Authors

moreira, mra (Author) FEP; maia, mas (Author) Other; sousa, psa (Author) FEP; meneses, rfc (Author) Other

Conference proceedings International

Title: EXPLORING SERVICES SCIENCE, IESS 2013

Pages: 246-262

4th International Conferences on Exploring Service Science

Porto, PORTUGAL, FEB 07-08, 2013

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 10 Citations

Scopus - 11 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Computer and information sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-98F

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-36356-6_18

Abstract (EN): Globalization has created countless opportunities for the internationalization of a wide range of services. Recent technological innovations associated with the reduction or elimination of trade barriers, resulted in an exponential expansion of service firms. This paper analyzes the internal and external factors that influence the decision to operate internationally. The hypotheses are empirically examined through a survey sent to 322 firms from the design, architecture and engineering sector. Multivariate analysis is used to ascertain the main determinants of internationalization in these firms. The findings indicate that the main reasons underlying the internationalization of these service firms are the size of the firm, the competitive environment and the staff's degree of international experience. These factors, which influence the management's attitudes toward operating internationally, determine the firm's degree of internationalization. Moreover, firms that have a high number of senior managers with a graduate course and higher skills in foreign languages are more prone to internationalize. Some practical implications are presented for service firms that are in the process of internationalizing.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 17