Scaling is key to International Business

Scaling is an omnipresent and important phenomenon within the international business context. In a paper published in the Journal of World Business, the authors define scaling as persistent rapid growth to deliver a viable business model, and they outline how scaling works differently in a for-profit, not-for-profit and hybrid business setting. The perspective article is co-authored by Esther Tippmann, GSEM Professor Tina Ambos, Manlio Del Giudice, Sinéad Monaghan, and Dimo Ringov.

ABSTRACT

Scaling, the persistent rapid growth to deliver a viable business model, often incorporates an explicit international business dimension. However, research on the cross-border management and organization of scaling and scale-ups in international business has been limited. We therefore build on prior scholarly understanding to differentiate scaling in three settings – initiative, organization and ecosystem – and elaborate on their respective international business aspects. We are sensitive to different organizational purposes and their associated scaling for commercial and/or social impact. Our arguments advance the conceptual understanding of scaling in international business and offer an agenda for future research.

The study is available open access: Scale-ups and scaling in an international business context

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