On the Internal Correlates of Export Stage Development: An Empirical Investigation in the Korean Electronics Industry

Numerous researchers have addressed the issue of the internal dynamics of export stage development. Many, if not all, have tried to relate the univariate effect of each variable to each stage. In contrast this research, conducted in the context of the Korean electronics industry, has attempted to identify variables relevant to overall stages. The export stages are operationalised in terms of five variables. The results indicate that the following variables are significant in explaining the dispersion of firms across the export stages: (1) management′s perception of the importance of exporting as a means of achieving their firm′s market share, ROI and growth goals; (2) product uniqueness and price advantages; and (3) management′s desire to control foreign marketing operations.