International Network and Growth Orientation of Born Global Firms – Do they really matter?

Abstract

Born global firms – a small-scaled firm that operates internationally since their inception or near
inception and generally, entrepreneurial in nature – is the most rapidly emerging breed of companies in today’s global business world (Covin & Miller, 2013). Thus, both researchers and
practitioners are of high interest in understanding how born global firms achieve such a success
in most dynamic and competitive international markets (Lampe, et al., 2019). Firms with higher
international growth orientation and network orientation are more internationalized than others,
have a larger share of sales, a larger foreign customer base compare to less growth-oriented
firms with weak network ties and thus, it eventually leads to higher international performance of born global firms (Chun, et al., 2014; Dimitratos, et al., 2012; Jantunen, et al., 2005; Mort &
Weerawardena, 2006; Nummela, et al., 2005; Stam & Elfring, 2008). Thus, the main purpose
of this study is to investigating the impact of international network orientation and international
growth orientation on international performance of born global firms in a developing country
context, Sri Lanka.
Keywords: Born global firms, International network orientation, international growth orientation, international performance