Family ownership and internationalization processes: Internationalization pace, internationalization scope, and internationalization rhythm

This paper examines the effects of the family ownership with respect to the processes of firm internationalization: internationalization pace, internationalization scope, and internationalization rhythm. Using longitudinal data (2000-2008) from 772 publicly listed firms in Taiwan, I find that firms opted for a (1) rapid pace, (2) a narrow scope, and (3) an irregular rhythm of internationalization when they were high level of the family ownership. These findings highlight that the family ownership has the significant influences on a firm's internationalization processes. This research enriches the research that links family ownership and international business. The implications of these findings for future research are discussed. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.