Import Stimuli and Import Development1

摘要: Introduction International purchasing decisions have become increasingly important for the survival and growth of firm due to improvement manufacturing technology in many parts world, along with tendency toward adoption liberal trade policies by most countries (Cavusgil/Yaprak/Yeoh 1993, Thorelli/Glowacka 1995). Nonetheless, an examination international business literature identifies paucity empirical attention that has been devoted import side exchange process. The present study contributes limited platform knowledge this area, investigating factors stimulate ongoing engagement within a specific context: UK importing distributors trading US exporting manufacturers. Specifically, main thrust research is potentially significant differences stimuli between distinct groups firms terms their level development. From theoretical standpoint, first systematic effort which empirically examines issue relation In framework, represents foreign supply market area outside European Union. emphasis upon manufacturers associated fact manufactured exports traditionally accounted vast proportion total world (Grosse/Kujawa focus on distributor centers around evidence suggesting use overseas common entry expansion mode employed (Rosson/Ford 1982, Bello/Lothia Overseas facilitate straightforward low-cost access markets, controlling certain key export marketing functions pertaining mainly ability provide: customer contacts; geographical coverage; inventory-holding order-processing facilities; information; advice technical support (Rosenbloom/Larsen 1992). next section focuses background purpose study, followed presentation conceptual framework. methodology adopted then explained. Next, findings are presented discussed domain literature. Finally, implications practitioners public policy makers highlighted, directions future identified. Background Purpose Import can be defined as those internal external influence firm's decision initiate, develop or sustain activities. underlying premise examining sourced assertion nature stimulation determines development pattern markets. More specifically, well-prepared motivated will better opportunity success markets than ill-prepared weakly stimulated company (cf. Leonidou A review work motivation reveals largely fragmented. To date, there three studies reported regarding elements stimulating import. One indicated major influencing developed country importers developing were good value money, high product quality, satisfactory order processing, security regular delivery long-term supply, mark-up (Leonidou 1988). second conducted among firms, suggested availability quality products, attainment lower prices shortage items domestic motives sourcing (Min/Galle 1991). …