Retrospective and prospective learning: accelerating the internationalization process

Fletcher, M. , Harris, S. and Richey Jr., R. G. (2021) Retrospective and prospective learning: accelerating the internationalization process. Journal of World Business, 56(3), 101191. (doi: 10.1016/j.jwb.2021.101191)

Abstract

This paper contributes theoretical understanding to the learning processes adopted by firms for successful internationalization. Drawing from the internationalization process and organizational learning research, our longitudinal case study examines a firm’s learning processes as it grows internationally. In different phases and in different areas the firm learned at different paces, gradual and steep, and by responding retrospectively to past failings, and prospectively to anticipated challenges. From case data we identify and develop four constructs of internationalization learning: Gradual Retrospective, Steep Retrospective, Gradual Prospective, and Steep Prospective learning. The appropriateness of each depends on the urgency towards addressing challenges, and the firm’s learning capabilities. Firms can develop and steepen retrospective learning capability, enabling rapid identification and response to internationalization problems. Firms can also employ prospective learning to plan the development of knowledge capabilities ahead of future internationalization activity, to accelerate their learning, and increase the speed and effectiveness of internationalization.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Fletcher, Professor Margaret
• Authors: Fletcher, M., Harris, S., and Richey Jr., R. G.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
• Journal Name: Journal of World Business
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 1090-9516
• ISSN (Online): 1878-5573
• Published Online: 24 January 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc.
• First Published: First published in Journal of World Business 56(3):101191
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy