The internationalization speed of e-commerce companies: an empirical analysis

Purpose - This study aims to explain the internationalization speed of e-commerce companies (ECCs). Design/methodology/approach - Based on the archive data of the American ECCs, the study used multiple regression analysis to estimate the influences of a number of micro- and macro-factors. Findings - The results show that the speedy foreign market entry by ECCs was positively influenced by top management team's international experience, and innovative and marketing capabilities. Research limitations/implications - The study did not deal with the entry mode of ECCs inviting more future research efforts in this direction. Additionally, as established MNEs have integrated e-commerce into existing business, future research can be devoted to examine the impact of this integration on the internationalization of firms. Originality/value - Extant literature has addressed the internationalization of ECCs with a focus on the level of internationalization. This study contributes to the current literature by extending research on globalization of ECCs and incorporating both micro- and macro-level factors affecting the speed of international expansion.