A Note on the Criticisms Against the Internationalization Process Model

Abstract

The internationalization process model (Johanson/Vahlne 1977) has been reviewed and tested in a considerable number of studies. The underlying assumption when testing the model is that there is a connection between the progressive stages of the internationalization, stage model (S-model) and the variables of commitment and knowledge in the internationalization process model (IP-model). The S-model is merged with the IP-model and is treated as one, since the concepts are seen as being interchangeable. The unification led some researchers to completely reject the IP-model, since their observations did not correspond with the progressive stages in internationalization modes (Engwall/Wallenstal 1988). Other researchers had more modest objections and remarked on some inconsistencies in the appearance of the stages (Hedlund/Kverneland 1985, Forsgren 1989, Calof/Beamish 1995).