Narratives of internationalisation [Book] : legitimacy, standards and portfolio entrepreneurs / Sara L. McGaughey.

A longitudinal case study of the growth and internationalization of a cluster of legally independent SMEs based in Tasmania, Australia, from April 1975 to December 1996. Each of these SMEs was founded by at least one of a kernel of three entrepreneurs, and were subsequently owned, managed and controlled by all three at some time over the 20 year period and were collectively known from May 1995 as the Global Lightning Technologies (GLT) Group.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 256-391) and index.

This book makes a rare - but often advocated - contribution to internationalisation research by providing a richly contextualised narrative of the growth and internationalisation of a cluster of small firms owned by three entrepreneurs in Tasmania, Australia, over 25 years. The ethnographically-inspired longitudinal case study is presented with sufficient depth, detail and creative forms of writing - including diary extracts, dramas, and a cartoon - to both draw the reader into the world of the entrepreneurs, and allow scholars to reinterpret events from diverse perspectives. Interspersed with the tale of internationalisation are three more interpretive chapters that bring 'legitimacy' centre stage in international operations. Export market choice, institutional entrepreneurship in relation to national and global Standards, and the consequences of portfolio entrepreneurship for international new venturing are explored through the lens of legitimacy and legitimation processes.

All.