Networks and the internationalization of management consulting firms : a critical view on traditional theory

An increasing number of management consulting firms decides to expand business activities into international markets in order to stay competitive and take advantage of new possibilities associated with globalization. Numerous internationalization theories have been developed in the last forty years. This study challenges systematically the traditional approaches of internationalization and examines the role that networks play in the internationalization process of management consulting firms and the way this is being reflected in different theoretical frameworks. The main internationalization theories are introduced and critically reviewed with regard to their transferability to the service sector and the respective consideration of networks. Do the prevailing internationalization approaches still reflect the conditions of today's economy, particularly those in the service sector? Which theoretical framework does recognize the specific characteristics of management consulting services in the most appropriate way? The author reviews different motives for the internationalization of management consulting firms and market entry strategies. A more nuanced view of the internationalization of management consulting firms is being developed and implications for future theory and research are being assessed. Biographische Informationen Nils Laacks holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from the Berlin School of Economics in Germany. He worked for different multinational companies in Berlin and New York and currently lives and works in Vancouver, Canada. He successfully completed the CIP (Chartered Insurance Professional) program in 2010.