International entrepreneurship by African firms: a discussion on constraints and capabilities

Abstract

This paper offers a conceptual assessment of some constraints associated with development of dynamic capabilities, for achieving a competitive advantage by African firms in international context. The paper advances the extant international entrepreneurship and dynamic capabilities literature by specifically highlighting the role of financial, managerial, institutional, and spiritual factors in relation to the development of capabilities needed for success in international markets. Several strategies including human resource management and human capital development practices which can potentially strengthen the dynamic capabilities linked to international entrepreneurial competitiveness of African firms are also suggested based on the conceptual discussion.

Impression management and leadership in failing or failed business-to-business firms during and post-COVID-19: Empirical insights from Africa

“…Moreover, compounded by the COVID-19-induced economic crisis ( Adomako et al, 2022 ) and the resultant supply chain crisis facing all B2B firms ( Arslan et al, 2022 ; Hartmann & Lussier, 2020 ), African B2B firms are the most vulnerable, as they have generally faced decades of acute resource constraints ( Alo & Arslan, 2021 ). Although agile firms can quickly organize and deploy resources or develop novel business models in response to a crisis ( Adomako et al, 2022 ; Teece, Peteraf, & Leih, 2016 ), we still lack empirical data examining the capacity of African B2B firms to survive unprecedented threats.…”

“…Additionally, agility and capabilities required to sustain competitive advantage during crisis are more difficult to achieve in African B2B firms due to their limited financial and managerial capabilities coupled with their time and resource constraints ( Alo & Arslan, 2021 ). Researchers have identified two capabilities that are key strategic resources for B2B firms' survival in a crisis – networking capability and technological capability ( Adomako et al, 2022 ).…”