Infant multinationals venturing into distant markets: How do Polish firms enact opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa?

Abstract

Purpose – We wanted to find out how infant multinationals originating from Poland enact opportunities in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Design/methodology/approach – We conducted a comparative case study of four Polish firms operating in SSA. Findings – We found that when entering SSA, studied firms employed effectual decision-making logic. Thus, their internationalization was means-driven, serendipitous, partnership-oriented, based on the “affordable loss” principle and focused on shaping opportunities in SSA, rather than predicting, analyzing and planning any firm-specific assets or capabilities. Originality/value – We illuminated the nature of the means employed in effectual internationalization and the role of partners (“effectual stakeholders”) in this process. Thus, we contribute to a deeper understanding of how infant multinationals navigate extreme uncertainty in the emerging SSA markets.