Foreign market entry strategies : Evidence from a developed and an emerging market

Abstract: Background - The positive impacts of globalization have been widely discussed, whereas many researchers argue that national borders are of less importance. However, as national borders are argued to be of less importance, some researchers miss to point out that the institutional differences remain and they are challenging to change. Purpose - The purpose of this study is to examine and compare the entry strategies of three Swedish firms entering both a developed and an emerging market with a focus on the different institutional contexts. Method - This study has applied a qualitative method with an abductive approach and an instrumental case study strategy, whereas 3 semistructured interviews with 3 different firms having experience from both a developed and an emerging country were conducted. Conclusion - When firms enter a developed country with few institutional differences, they commit more resources and do not feel the urge to use a local partner. Entering an emerging country, the firms choose a more cost-efficient entry with less resource commitment and prefer to use a local partner with local knowledge.