The Internationalization Process and the Inter-Organizational Networks of Thai Enterprises in Emerging Markets: A Study of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS)

Abstract

This paper explores the internationalization process and the inter-organizational networks linking Thai multinational enterprises in emerging markets that focus on Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa or BRICS. BRICS is an emerging market that has grown rapidly economically and is expected to become the major player in the global economy in the near future. The scope of study encompasses eight enterprises listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) 100 Index, which consists of the largest 100 companies classified by size on SET, and these eight enterprises are operating their business in BRICS. The study utilizes a qualitative methodological approach which employed documentary analysis and in-depth interviews with senior executives and business practitioners who have been strategic persons, including Thai investment promotion officers, involved in Thai enterprises internationalized in BRICS for a substantial period of time. This study reveals the inter-organizational networks links to the internationalization process of the eight Thai enterprises in BRICS with 11 levels of seven major organizations, namely: 1) Thai enterprises in BRICS, 2) the commercial agencies in BRICS, 3) the associated groups in BRICS, 4) Thai government sectors in BRICS, 5) BRICS’ government sectors in BRICS, 6) Thai government sectors in Thailand, and 7) BRICS’ government sectors in Thailand