A Theoretical Model on the Role of Aspirations in the Internationalization of Born Global Companies

Abstract

This paper proposes a theoretical model explaining how entrepreneurs’ international aspirations are formed and how these aspirations shape early internationalization processes. By integrating and extending the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1991) and the behavioral theory of the firm (Cyert and March, 1963), the model suggests that entrepreneurs’ attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control are antecedents to the level of aspirations to internationalize, which, in turn, influence the variety of actions that entrepreneurs take. Moreover, the model highlights the mediating role of implementation planning and the moderating role of environmental dynamism in the early internationalization process.