An Integrated Theoretical Framework of Firms’ Entry Modes in Emerging and Developing Economies: Evidence From African Markets

This paper aims to respond to the need highlighted in the literature for an integrated theoretical framework of firms' entry modes in emerging and developing economies, primarily characterized by the liability of foreignness.Specifically, it seeks to fill a gap identified in international business studies and marketing management literature, with a particular focus on African markets.A specific selection of recognized academic journals with a significant Scopus Impact Factor (2022) over the past four years and works published since 2010 have been used to ensure up-to-date evidence.By intertwining the network perspective and the resource-based view within the framework of the liability of foreignness, the firms' entry modes have been identified as: (i) market followership networking, (ii) market relations networking, (iii) institutional and government networking, and (iv) core competence and capability investment.Finally, our contribution can be a useful roadmap for scholars and business decision-makers by offering them a novel theoretical framework to reconsider internationalization drivers.