Purpose

This paper aims to analyse how the temporal dimension is conceptualised in studies of the internationalisation process of firms and its implications. Theoretical models such as U-Model and INV explain the process of internationalisation as dynamic; nonetheless, time is approached as an underlying aspect of the process. In this essay, time is brought to the spotlight since, despite its strategic relevance, it has been treated implicitly in studies of the internationalisation processes, except in those that address the speed of internationalisation.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a critical reassessment of the academic literature, the authors present theoretical arguments and highlight elements to be considered in the analysis of the temporal dimension throughout the internationalisation process of firms.

Findings

This essay focuses on expanding the comprehension of temporality in the internationalisation process, that underlies periods of changes, implied also in periods of stability. The paper discusses time dimension implications during the internationalisation process and reveals that there is an interaction between temporal verticality (context/events), subjective dimension of time (perception and interpretation of time) and objective dimension of time (stability and changes). Therefore, it sustains that these interactions compress past, present and future actions in the internationalisation process.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, this essay did not empirically apply the theoretical model and propositions. Therefore, future studies may empirically apply the propositions and use the temporal lens to look deeper at the temporality of internationalisation process and shed further light on the mechanisms that interlink the pre-and post-entry phases.

Practical implications

The argument helps entrepreneurs understand that actions throughout the internationalisation process are also influenced by the experience of time and not only governed by rational matters. Changes in the context can alter the perception of present time as being restricted, and in turn, may alter the flux of future internationalisation actions. However, if actions are conducted in a precipitated manner it can bring forth negative results for the firm. It is essential to recognise the importance of temporal verticality and subjective dimension of time as influencers of future actions of the objective dimension of time in the process of internationalisation.

Originality/value

While most research is restricted to understanding time as speed, this essay brings a theoretical model extending the knowledge of time in the literature of international business and international entrepreneurship, by including factors that imply temporality. By explaining the relationship between temporal aspects, it is argued that temporal verticality (events and context) influences temporal subjectivity (perception of the present and interpretation of the past) to direct future actions of the temporality of internationalisation (stability and changes).

中文翻译：

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国际化视角下的时间维度：理论探讨

目的

本文旨在分析时间维度在企业国际化过程及其影响的研究中是如何被概念化的。U-Model和INV等理论模型将国际化过程解释为动态的；尽管如此，时间被视为该过程的一个基本方面。在这篇文章中，时间被带到了聚光灯下，尽管它具有战略意义，但在国际化进程的研究中，它一直被含蓄地对待，除了那些处理国际化速度的研究。

设计/方法/方法

基于对学术文献的批判性重新评估，作者提出了理论论点，并强调了在分析公司国际化过程中的时间维度时需要考虑的要素。

发现

本文着重于扩展对国际化过程中时间性的理解，这是变化时期的基础，也隐含在稳定时期。本文讨论了国际化过程中的时间维度含义，并揭示了时间垂直性（上下文/事件）、时间的主观维度（时间的感知和解释）和时间的客观维度（稳定性和变化）之间存在相互作用。因此，它认为这些相互作用压缩了国际化过程中过去、现在和未来的行动。

研究限制/影响

由于所选择的研究方法，本文没有经验性地应用理论模型和命题。因此，未来的研究可能会经验性地应用这些命题，并使用时间镜头来更深入地研究国际化过程的时间性，并进一步阐明进入前和进入后阶段相互联系的机制。

实际影响

该论点帮助企业家理解，在整个国际化过程中的行动也受到时间经验的影响，而不仅仅是受理性事物的支配。环境的变化可以改变对当前时间受到限制的看法，进而可能改变未来国际化行动的变化。然而，如果行动以一种突然的方式进行，它可能会给公司带来负面的结果。在国际化过程中，必须认识到时间垂直性和时间的主观维度作为时间客观维度的未来行动的影响因素的重要性。

原创性/价值

虽然大多数研究仅限于将时间理解为速度，但本文提出了一个理论模型，通过包含暗示时间性的因素，扩展了国际商业和国际创业文献中的时间知识。通过解释时间方面之间的关系，认为时间垂直性（事件和上下文）影响时间主体性（对现在的感知和对过去的解释），从而指导国际化时间性（稳定和变化）的未来行动。