Determinants of SME brand adaptation in global marketing

Previous studies have focused on the degree of standardization or adaptation and to a lesser extent on the determinants of adaptation. This paper advances the literature in four respects. Firstly, we are able to evaluate the relative importance of internal (commitment; experience) versus external (culture, economic) determinants of adaptation. Secondly, we have examined several firm size categories, so we can evaluate how the relative roles of internal and external factors vary by firm size. Thirdly, rather than treat adaptation as one of adjusting one or more of the four-Ps, we use a more holistic concept of adaptation, namely brand adaptation, and which subsumes marketing mix adaptation. A scale has been developed to capture this holistic concept. Fourthly, we have developed a new culture scale, one based on the perceptions of SME businesses, using domestic operations as a benchmark.