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Hadjikhani, Amjad
Publications (10 of 129) Show all publications
Yilmaz, G., Hadjikhani, A. & Bengtson, A. (2020). From New Emerging to New Emerging Markets: Stuck in between Opportunity and Risk: Internationalization of Turkish Firms in Romania. Journal of East-West Business, 26(3), 235-268
Open this publication in new window or tab >>From New Emerging to New Emerging Markets: Stuck in between Opportunity and Risk: Internationalization of Turkish Firms in Romania
2020 (English)In: Journal of East-West Business, ISSN 1066-9868, E-ISSN 1528-6959, Vol. 26, no 3, p. 235-268Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The focus of this paper is to study how MNCs from new emerging markets manage the opportunity development in other new emerging markets. The aim is to propose a theoretical frame based on business network theory holding the concepts of opportunity development, risk, knowledge, and commitment used to analyze the Turkish firm's behavior in Romania. With the infusion of risk tolerance concept, the study contributes new knowledge to the internationalization model and aids understanding of how new MNCs develop opportunities. It enriches network theory as it unfolds the role of an actor's risk perception and the role of financial resources.

Keywords
commitment, knowledge, international opportunity development, political actions, risk tolerance, Turkey, Romania
National Category
Business Administration
Research subject
Business Studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-422817 (URN)10.1080/10669868.2019.1708837 (DOI)000508114600001 ()
Available from: 2020-10-15 Created: 2020-10-15 Last updated: 2021-06-18Bibliographically approved
Hadjikhani, A., Leite, E. & Pahlberg, C. (2019). Business and Socio‑Political Interaction in International Service Projects: The Case of Brazil. MIR: Management International Review, 59(1), 171-200
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Business and Socio‑Political Interaction in International Service Projects: The Case of Brazil
2019 (English)In: MIR: Management International Review, ISSN 0938-8249, E-ISSN 1861-8901, Vol. 59, no 1, p. 171-200Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Building on a business network perspective, the aim of this paper is to present a theoretical view for studying service MNEs in ICT (information communication technology) projects centred on the improvement of public services. The four inter-related concepts of cooperation, legitimacy, commitment and knowledge are applied in the analysis of two projects. Defining the projects as object-based services, the study manifests how service MNEs manage three types of actors (business, politi-cal and social) having their legitimacy in different systems. The cases illustrate cross-border activities where MNEs from Sweden, Spain and China join forces in Brazil with local business, social and political actors and cooperate to strengthen their competitive market position. The study concludes that successful cooperation is partially explained by the management’s ability to incorporate business resources into the needs of the socio-political actors. Furthermore, in object-based services, which are not similar to long-term business relationships, the three involved par-ties advance different types of relationships within a loose network structure. A key implication is that extensive public–private relationships are needed even when MNEs enjoy an established position in a foreign market.

Keywords
Business network · Socio-political behaviour · Cooperation · Legitimacy · Knowledge · Commitment · Competitive strategy
National Category
Business Administration
Research subject
Business Studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-370153 (URN)10.1007/s11575-018-0368-9 (DOI)000459406000006 ()
Available from: 2018-12-19 Created: 2018-12-19 Last updated: 2020-08-19Bibliographically approved
Chidlow, A., Ghauri, P. N. & Hadjikhani, A. (2019). Internationalization of Service Firms and Their Interactions with Socio-Political Actors: Guest Editors' Introduction. MIR: Management International Review, 59(4), 499-514
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Internationalization of Service Firms and Their Interactions with Socio-Political Actors: Guest Editors' Introduction
2019 (English)In: MIR: Management International Review, ISSN 0938-8249, E-ISSN 1861-8901, Vol. 59, no 4, p. 499-514Article in journal, Editorial material (Other academic) Published
Abstract [en]

Although there is extensive research in the field of services and lately on the internationalization of services, the topic of how service firms interact with society and political organizations, during their internationalization process, remains almost untouched. As an answer to the call for further research on the interaction between service firms, society and policy makers, this paper aims to advance the knowledge by proposing an integrative theoretical view. Dissimilar to the earlier research where each study stands on a specific theoretical discipline (economic, behavioural or political science), the proposed theoretical view asserts the need for an interdisciplinary approach. The integration of these three perspectives is vital since business, policy and society have different legitimacy and dependency grounds and yet their goals and objectives have been converging over the years. Isolating these disciplines from each other is, thus, not very helpful in advancing the knowledge and understanding the conditions, motives and consequences of multinational enterprises in foreign markets. Moreover, the internationalization of services and the extent of heterogeneity in service products/solutions, from banking to retailing and e-commerce, create new challenges that need for interaction between these parties; the three pillars of our society.

Keywords
Internationalisation, Service firms, Socio-political actors, Interdisciplinary approach, Society and politics
National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-392897 (URN)10.1007/s11575-019-00388-5 (DOI)000477991800001 ()
Available from: 2019-09-10 Created: 2019-09-10 Last updated: 2019-09-10Bibliographically approved
Alimadadi, S., Bengtson, A. & Hadjikhani, A. (2018). How does uncertainty impact opportunity development in internationalization?. International Business Review, 27(1), 161-172
Open this publication in new window or tab >>How does uncertainty impact opportunity development in internationalization?
2018 (English)In: International Business Review, ISSN 0969-5931, E-ISSN 1873-6149, Vol. 27, no 1, p. 161-172Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The features of the internationalization of emerging market multinational companies (EMNCs) create a laboratory for extending theory. In this paper, we argue that a high level of asymmetry between prior knowledge and a non-incremental commitment, such as an acquisition, lies at the core of understanding these types of internationalization processes. Our proposed theoretical view is that while some uncertainties in opportunity development are known to the firms and can be managed by available knowledge, disruptive commitments can result in complexes of unstable and unilineal dynamics that bring about unexpected and hence unforeseeable uncertainties. These uncertainties may be a source of future unintended consequences that will have an impact on the firm as the internationalization process unfolds. This view is used for analysis of a longitudinal case study concerning the acquisition of a Swedish firm, Vargon Alloys, by the Turkish corporation Yildirim Group, focusing on the opportunity discovery and exploitation period between 2008 and 2013. By dividing uncertainty into two types (foreseeable and unforeseeable) and analysing the hidden problems that emerged after the sudden fusion of the two networks, the study nuances understanding of the emergent and non-orderly nature of the internationalization process as it unfolds. From a process point of view, the study may aid deeper understanding of complications when discovering and exploiting opportunities.

Keywords
Internationalization process, Opportunity development, Unforeseeable uncertainty, Unintended consequences, Turkey, Sweden
National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-341479 (URN)10.1016/j.ibusrev.2017.06.002 (DOI)000419410600014 ()
Available from: 2018-02-28 Created: 2018-02-28 Last updated: 2018-02-28Bibliographically approved
R. Leite, E., Pahlberg, C. & Hadjikhani, A. (2017). A Network View on Business-Political Interaction for Sustainable Development: The Cases of ICT Projects in Brazil. In: Proceedings of the 59th annual meeting of the Academy of International Business: The Contribution of MNEs to Building Sustainable Societies. Paper presented at AIB (Academy of International Business) 2017 Annual Meeting, July 2-5 2017, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>A Network View on Business-Political Interaction for Sustainable Development: The Cases of ICT Projects in Brazil
2017 (English)In: Proceedings of the 59th annual meeting of the Academy of International Business: The Contribution of MNEs to Building Sustainable Societies, 2017Conference paper, Oral presentation with published abstract (Refereed)
Series
Academy of International Business. Annual Meeting. Proceedings, ISSN 2078-0435
National Category
Social Sciences
Research subject
Business Studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-338341 (URN)
Conference
AIB (Academy of International Business) 2017 Annual Meeting, July 2-5 2017, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Available from: 2018-01-08 Created: 2018-01-08 Last updated: 2018-02-16Bibliographically approved
Leite, E., Pahlberg, C. & Hadjikhani, A. (2017). Public-Private Cooperation for Social Innovation: The Case of MNEs Involvement  in the Development of the Smart City Concept in Brazil. In: : . Paper presented at EIBA Milan 2017, 43rd European International Business Academy Conference,December 14-16, 2017, Milan, Italy.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Public-Private Cooperation for Social Innovation: The Case of MNEs Involvement  in the Development of the Smart City Concept in Brazil
2017 (English)Conference paper, Oral presentation with published abstract (Other academic)
National Category
Social Sciences
Research subject
Business Studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-338345 (URN)
Conference
EIBA Milan 2017, 43rd European International Business Academy Conference,December 14-16, 2017, Milan, Italy
Available from: 2018-01-08 Created: 2018-01-08 Last updated: 2018-02-23Bibliographically approved
Hadjikhani, A., Lee, J. W. & Park, S. (2016). Corporate social responsibility as a marketing strategy in foreign markets: The case of Korean MNCs in the Chinese electronics market. International Marketing Review, 33(4), 530-554
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Corporate social responsibility as a marketing strategy in foreign markets: The case of Korean MNCs in the Chinese electronics market
2016 (English)In: International Marketing Review, ISSN 0265-1335, E-ISSN 1758-6763, Vol. 33, no 4, p. 530-554Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Purpose - The authors are witnessing the increasing extent of corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance as strategic behaviour specifically in emerging markets. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how multinational companies (MNCs) manage CSR activities in emerging markets to aid their core business activities. In line with this question, the paper aims to develop a theoretical view for deeper understanding of the strategy in CSR practices aiding internationalization. The view is based on a business network perspective highlighting the four concepts of learning, commitment, legitimacy and trust. Design/methodology/approach - The methodology employed is qualitative, based on interviews with involved parties. The case study is about the experiences of a Korean MNC's CSR strategy when entering into the Chinese electronics industry. Findings - The case illustrates how the Korean MNC committed resources to gain trust and legitimacy that improved their market position. It further manifests that the firm's CSR strategy was proactive because of the large commitment in several long-and short-term projects towards the society. Investment in social issues like education, environmental problems and communities aided the firm's entry. Research limitations/implications - The study has a qualitative and in-depth nature. Future research is needed in order to generalize the proposed theoretical frame. Practical implications - The study manifests how a MNC employs CSR strategy for internationalization in a foreign market. It shows how managers can undertake different practical CSR measures to enter and expand in foreign markets. Social implications - While internationalization of firms is mainly based on their business commitment towards counterparts or business firms, the study shows how CSR strategy and activities towards the society support their businesses. Originality/value - While internationalization of firms is mainly based on their business commitment towards counterparts or business firms, the study shows how CSR strategy and activities towards the society support their businesses. The study investigates CSR strategy and enlightens activities like education and environmental problems. The study further develops the business network view and includes social aspects. The theoretical view holding the four relationship elements of trust, knowledge, legitimacy and commitment permits deeper understanding of the MNC's proactive CSR behaviour in new markets.

Keywords
China, Emerging markets, South Korea, Commitment, Business network, CSR marketing strategy, Legitimacy, trust and knowledge, Samsung Electronics
National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-300591 (URN)10.1108/IMR-03-2014-0104 (DOI)000379779300002 ()
Available from: 2016-08-09 Created: 2016-08-09 Last updated: 2017-11-28Bibliographically approved
Hadjikhani, A., Lindh, C., Hilmersson Pourmand, F. & Thilenius, P. (2016). Direct and indirect impact of political activities on business performance: The case of the European Union and Swedish small firms. International Journal of Business Environment, 8(1), 1-18
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Direct and indirect impact of political activities on business performance: The case of the European Union and Swedish small firms
2016 (English)In: International Journal of Business Environment, ISSN 1740-0589, E-ISSN 1740-0597, Vol. 8, no 1, p. 1-18Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

In this paper, the consequences of decisions by the EU on SMEs' business performance are analysed. The business network approach is employed to study how the coercive or supportive behaviour of political organisations directly and indirectly affect SMEs' business performance. The result highlights that the direct effect refers to the immediate interaction between the political and business units, whereas the indirect concerns the outcome of political units on other business firms that SMEs have relationships with. To test the assumed direct and indirect effect on business performance, four hypotheses are formulated and tested with PLS using data from a quantitative survey involving 134 SMEs in Sweden and the EU. The paper emphasises the importance of a firm's business relationships as being affected by coercive actions of political organisations, as well as receiving the full benefit from those actions of a supportive nature.

National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-268666 (URN)10.1504/IJBE.2016.074790 (DOI)000436300700001 ()
Available from: 2015-12-09 Created: 2015-12-09 Last updated: 2020-01-08Bibliographically approved
Hadjikhani, A. & Thilenius, P. (2016). 'Tic-Toc-Tic-Toc': Thoughts on The Tempo of Business Network Extension. In: Peter Thilenius, Cecilia Pahlberg and Virpi Havila (Ed.), Extending the Business Network Approach: New Territories, New Technologies, New Terms (pp. 359-375). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
Open this publication in new window or tab >>'Tic-Toc-Tic-Toc': Thoughts on The Tempo of Business Network Extension
2016 (English)In: Extending the Business Network Approach: New Territories, New Technologies, New Terms / [ed] Peter Thilenius, Cecilia Pahlberg and Virpi Havila, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2016, p. 359-375Chapter in book (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

‘Tic-Toc-Tic-Toc’… a long time has passed for the business network approach. The main aim of this chapter is to discuss the history of boundary extension in business networks, starting in the old times and ending in the new times. Many researchers believe in the existence of the ‘business network’ to some degree. This chapter takes the perception of the business network as a point of departure, working from the perspective that its boundary depends on the intention of the observer. This perspective allows us to present a developmental journey of how the business network approach, over time and in different tempos, has gained its identity, whilst both implicitly and explicitly extended its boundary.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2016
National Category
Business Administration
Research subject
Business Studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-306546 (URN)10.1057/978-1-137-53765-2_20 (DOI)2-s2.0-84978336696 (Scopus ID)978-1-137-53763-8 (ISBN)978-1-137-53765-2 (ISBN)
Funder
The Jan Wallander and Tom Hedelius Foundation
Available from: 2016-10-28 Created: 2016-10-28 Last updated: 2016-12-15Bibliographically approved
Yilmaz, G., Bengtson, A. & Hadjikhani, A. (2015). Internationalization of firms from new emerging markets in other new emerging markets: Opportunity development of a Turkish Firm in Romania. In: Sener, S; Saridogan, E; Staub, S (Ed.), World Conference On Technology, Innovation And Entrepreneurship: . Paper presented at World Conference on Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, MAY 28-30, 2015, Istanbul, TURKEY (pp. 982-992).
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Internationalization of firms from new emerging markets in other new emerging markets: Opportunity development of a Turkish Firm in Romania
2015 (English)In: World Conference On Technology, Innovation And Entrepreneurship / [ed] Sener, S; Saridogan, E; Staub, S, 2015, p. 982-992Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

The arena of entrepreneurial behavior of MNCs from new emerging markets and how they develop opportunities in other new emerging markets is almost untouched. This paper tries to answer how firms from new emerging markets manage their entrepreneurships in other new emerging markets. Unlike the internationalization of Western firms, firms from new emerging markets often lack sufficient knowledge and therefore internationalize quickly by acquisitions. This entrepreneurial behavior is contaminated with high risk. How these firms manage the process of opportunity discovery and exploitation becomes an interesting topic for research. The study aims to develop a theoretical frame for analysis of the firms' entrepreneurial behavior when developing new opportunity. It employs business network view for deeper understanding of opportunity development in the process before and after an acquisition. The process view in this construction grasps the two internationalization elements of knowledge and resource commitment. Network approach is used to analyze the empirical case study of a Turkish firm's international opportunity discovery in Romania during the period of 1998-2014. The study aims to promote new knowledge on how firms from new emerging markets manage such opportunity when acquiring a firm from another new emerging market.

Keywords
Opportunity Development, Turkey, Kastamonu Entegre, Romania, Commitment, Knowledge
National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-309760 (URN)10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.06.480 (DOI)000380509900117 ()
Conference
World Conference on Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, MAY 28-30, 2015, Istanbul, TURKEY
Available from: 2016-12-07 Created: 2016-12-07 Last updated: 2016-12-07Bibliographically approved
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