Internationalization strategies in the service industry

: a case study of Profirst International

Abstract

This dissertation explores the internationalization of a service company. It also observes the different internationalization theories with an emphasis on the network perspective. The main goal of this research is to understand why networks can help small and medium enterprises when they are internationalizing. First, the study is built on data collected from four in-­‐depth interviews and participant observation of a Belgian company, Profirst International. We also collected internal documentation to use secondary data. The results of this dissertation demonstrate that networks are used to access new resources and identify opportunities. Additionally, some types of company need to have an extensive network for their corporate identity. Finally, network relationships related to social capital are essential to expand internationally. Overall, the findings reflect that networks are one attribute that international companies must possess.

Date of Award	17 Feb 2017
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Laure Leglise (Supervisor)