... and political networks and adapt quickly to uncertainty. Importantly, the authors find that family firms use internationalization as a strategic means of institutional escapism, expanding abroad to avoid the constraints of Egypt’s weak institutional environment. Originality/value The authors contribute...

.... Findings The paper finds support for the institutional escapism mechanism, as opposed to the institutional fostering mechanism, underlying Indian MNEs’ acquisitions in AEs (rather than EEs). That is, firms headquartered in Indian states where market-supporting institutions (such as economic liberalization...