International learning: antecedents and performance implications among newly internationalizing companies in an exporting context

This study employs learning‐based theory to shed light on performance among newly internationalizing companies. Earlier studies have suggested that learning is an important goal for firms pursuing international diversification. Unlike previous studies which have focused their attention on one aspect of learning, this study examines three kinds of learning from internationalization: technological, market, and social. The impact of top management's prior international experience and cultural diversity on the three types of learning were also examined to understand their contingency effects. Consistent with social capital theory, external networks with suppliers and customers are a major contributor to a firm's international performance. Also, the findings for the influence of market learning on firm performance support the assumptions underlying the resource‐based view of the firm. However, mixed results were obtained for the relationship between technological learning and firm performance. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.