Case studies on internationalisation of companies listed on the stock exchange of Singapore for the period from 1998-2007

[Truncated] This study examines the internationalisation of 14 companies listed on the main board of the Stock Exchange of Singapore (SGX). Past research has been mixed regarding whether internationalisation has improved the performance of multinational companies (MNCs). Two established theories on internationalisation are the Eclectic Paradigm and Uppsala Internationalisation Framework. To determine the best approach to undertake this study, certain quantitative and qualitative research models for internationalisation, including Yip’s model, were reviewed. This study adopts a qualitative approach based on multiple case studies. For the theoretical research framework, an Internationalisation Reference Model (Reference Model) is developed using the McGrath Review Model, modified to be applicable for this study. The study explores the Antecedents, Processes and Outcomes concerning the structures, business strategies and performance of these SGX companies with regard to their internationalisation programmes for the period from 1998 to 2007.

The study was conducted in three phases. The first phase was a pilot study that initially tested the research design and data collection methods. This pilot study aided in the design of the main study and enabled the formulation of relevant research questions. The pilot study determined that 12 was the saturation level for the number of companies to be included in the research. The second phase of the study was the selection of SGX companies for case study. Companies in the manufacturing industry were selected and 14 companies agreed to participate. The third phase was to conduct one-to-one in-depth interviews with these companies’ senior executives such as Chairmen and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs). Data were collected from the interviews and archival records such as the annual reports of the companies.