The Network Evolution of the Internationalizing Firm

Abstract This paper analyses the network evolution of the internationalizing firm, focusing on a generative mechanism called preferential attachment. Preferential attachment means that more connected actors are likely to form more relationships. This paper uses longitudinal quantitative data of a single case of the internationalization of an American multinational firm’s operational division in the Brazilian market. The data analysis is based on Clauset et al.’s (2009) computational algorithm and PAFit, a new statistical method. The aim is to identify the extent to which the network evolution follows a power-law distribution and the degree to which preferential attachment affects the network evolution. It finds that the network evolution of the internationalizing firm follows a power-law distribution. It is affected by a sub-linear form of preferential attachment. Few actors accumulate a disproportionally high number of relationships. The preferential attachment does not homogeneously manifest itself in the network evolution. It has a strong effect on the network onset. This paper contributes by advancing a relational, process-based approach to the internationalization of the firm. It shows that the network evolution of the internationalizing firm grows over time and becomes sparser. More connected actors form hubs, meaning increased status, more power and resources.

摘要 本文分析了国际化企业的网络演化过程，聚焦于一种被称为偏好依附（preferential attachment）的生成机制。偏好依附指联结数量更多的行动者更易建立额外的关系联结。本文采用纵向定量数据，针对一家美国跨国企业在巴西市场的业务部门国际化这一单案例展开研究。数据分析基于Clauset等人（2009）提出的计算算法，以及新型统计方法PAFit。本研究旨在厘清该网络演化符合幂律分布（power-law distribution）的程度，以及偏好依附对网络演化的影响幅度。研究发现，该国际化企业的网络演化符合幂律分布，且受到亚线性（sub-linear）形式的偏好依附作用。少数行动者积累了远超比例的大量关系联结，偏好依附并未在网络演化中均匀显现，其对网络的初始构建阶段具有显著影响。本文的研究贡献在于，为企业国际化研究推进了一种基于关系视角的过程性分析路径。研究表明，国际化企业的网络演化随时间推移不断扩张，且网络密度逐渐降低；联结更丰富的行动者会成为网络枢纽，这意味着其拥有更高的地位、更多的权力与资源。