Time-based Experience and International Expansion: The Case of an Emerging Economy

Abstract

Building on the organizational learning theory and international expansion process model, this paper examines the effect of time-based experience on multidimensional performance including return on equity, sales growth, competitive position, and asset efficiency of foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) in an emerging economy (the People's Republic of China). The analysis, based on a recent survey of FIEs in China, demonstrates that time-based experience has a significantly positive effect on overall and individual dimensions of performance of FIEs. The underlying link between time-based experience and multidimensional performance is, however, moderated by the cultural distance between the host and home countries. Moreover, time-based experience moderates the positive impact of resource contributions, market commitment, and strategic innovativeness on venture performance.