(Internationalization Option as a Growth Strategy in Family Businesses: A Qualitative Research)

Abstract

Purpose – This study was conducted to determine how internationalization is considered as an alternative method of growth strategy in family businesses. In the literature, a study that explores the option of internationalization as a growth strategy for family businesses has not yet been conducted. Based on this gap, this research was carried out on family businesses that operate in local and international levels. Design/methodology/approach – This study was conducted as a qualitative research. For this purpose, 14 family businesses representatives were interviewed by applying a semi-structured interview process in order to evaluate “family business identity”, “growth”, and “internationalization strategies”. The data was analyzed by applying a qualitative content analysis. Findings – Our findings suggested that “family business identity” was protected despite all the disadvantages. Moreover, internationalization in growth was not consider a privileged growth strategy regardless of whether the firm operating at local or international levels. Discussion – After all, it was seen that internationalization was not considered as a significant option in the growth decision of family businesses and all managerial efforts were still directed towards solving the problems of being a family business.