Cultural Perceptions and Internationalization : A Case Study of Small and Media-Sized Enterprises in Russia and Finland
Bykova, Olga (2015)
2015
Master's Programme in Russian and European Studies
Johtamiskorkeakoulu - School of Management
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Hyväksymispäivämäärä
2015-07-08
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:uta-201507292185
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:uta-201507292185
Tiivistelmä
Due to globalization of economy links between regions of northern countries have become increasingly important. Thus, the internationalization of SMEs is an important research topic. The paper will describe the experience of Finnish and Russian SMEs in internationalization with a focus on cultural perceptions. The aim of the research is to analyze factors of SMEs’ internationalization in the case of Finnish and Russian SMEs from the perspective of cultural differences, and to found out how cultural perceptions can affect the process of internationalization. I will analyze internationalization phenomenon from the social constructivist perspective within context of the Self and Other concept.
I have chosen for the research qualitative methodology and case study research design. In terms of methodology, studies in international business have been mainly conducted in a quantitative manner, which does not allow an in-depth perspective on intercultural situations to be reached. Conducting qualitative research could contribute to the study of intercultural business.
The main data collection method will be semi-structured interviews with representatives of Finnish and Russian SMEs, operating both in Russia and Finland for not less than 3 years. Empirical research data will also include material of the Trade representation of the Russian Federation in Finland, the Russian-Finnish Chamber of Commerce and of the Finland International Chamber of commerce. Discourse analysis has been chosen as the main methods of the thesis.
The chosen topic seems relevant to the IR and to political science primarily due to the growing role of globalization and internationalization of business. The research results will increase the knowledge of how SMEs’ internationalization is progressing in Russia and Finland and how cultural perceptions affect it. This research can help companies and organizations to identify the important factors which help to improve international business opportunities between Russia and Finland.
I have chosen for the research qualitative methodology and case study research design. In terms of methodology, studies in international business have been mainly conducted in a quantitative manner, which does not allow an in-depth perspective on intercultural situations to be reached. Conducting qualitative research could contribute to the study of intercultural business.
The main data collection method will be semi-structured interviews with representatives of Finnish and Russian SMEs, operating both in Russia and Finland for not less than 3 years. Empirical research data will also include material of the Trade representation of the Russian Federation in Finland, the Russian-Finnish Chamber of Commerce and of the Finland International Chamber of commerce. Discourse analysis has been chosen as the main methods of the thesis.
The chosen topic seems relevant to the IR and to political science primarily due to the growing role of globalization and internationalization of business. The research results will increase the knowledge of how SMEs’ internationalization is progressing in Russia and Finland and how cultural perceptions affect it. This research can help companies and organizations to identify the important factors which help to improve international business opportunities between Russia and Finland.