A qualitative investigation of the role of dynamic capabilities in the Internationalization of born globals : A case study of SMEs in Liberia and Malawi

Abstract: Abstract Purpose: To investigate the role of dynamic capabilities in the Internationalization of born global firms from developing countries in Africa.  Design approach/Methods: The study employed a qualitative research method with a multiple case research design. Four born global firms from two developing countries in Africa were analyzed. Verification strategies were utilized to enhance the validity and reliability of the research findings.  Originality: Most of the previous research on the role of dynamic capabilities in the Internationalization of firms has attempted to operationalize empirical findings either with a single case study or multiple case studies of firms from developed countries, or multiple case studies of firms from the same sector or country. Therefore, as a reason for these paucities, this paper exists to investigate the role of dynamic capability in the Internationalization of born global from developing countries in Africa. Findings: The dynamic capability is the critical reason why and how firms stay competitive.The study found out that born globals from developing countries hire external consultants, conduct competitor analysis, utilized their local and international networks and conducts comprehensive market analysis to effectively sense market opportunities. Additionally, the firms invested substantial amounts in staff skills development, new product development, and new market development to seize opportunities. Besides, some of the firms capitalized on remote working systems, digital marketing and hiring of employees with prior international experience to effectively seize market opportunities. With regards to reconfiguring resources, all the firms utilized partnerships with leading multinational companies as a means of reconfiguring its resources to address the weaknesses within the company. To transform as an organization as well as to manage risks, most of the firms engaged in proactive decision making, diversification, utilized digital marketing and implemented digitization systems.  Keywords: Born Global, SMEs, Dynamic Capability, Internationalization, Developing Countries