Türk mobilya firmalarının uluslararasılaşma süreci: Bursa-İnegöl örneği

This thesis investigates the internationalization process, the role of networks in internationalization, and motives and barriers of internationalization for Turkish furniture firms located in the Bursa-Inegol region. These all are based on the purpose of the research to describe how Turkish furniture companies located in this region internationalized. A qualitative exploratory approach is adopted in order to provide a better understanding of the process which is passed by the firms located in the Bursa-Inegol zone. In this context six firms located in that region have been investigated to explore the internationalization process, and internationalization motives/barriers for Bursa-Inegol located furniture firms. Survey results revealed that, although the concept of psychic distance has been a significant issue for these firms, none of them followed the stage model of internationalization (Uppsala). However, the Revised Model of Uppsala followed by four furniture firms including VA Home, Saka Mobilya, Pianta Koltuk, and Eral Mobilya. Findings also show that Eclectic (OLI) and the Revised Eclectic model of internationalization is not followed by furniture companies. Moreover, thesis illuminates that two furniture firms which are VA Home and Saka Mobilya followed Born Global pattern of internationalization and two other firms, Pianta Koltuk and Eral Mobilya followed the Born-again Global model. Findings demonstrate that companies engage in networks based on their personal relationships or by becoming a member of an association. Associations or unions provide market opportunities for the furniture firms in terms of exchange of information and creating a relationship to their foreign counterparts. According to the findings, network relationships had a significant influence on the growth of four Turkish furniture companies in the international markets including Eral Mobilya, Pianta Koltuk, Saka Mobilya, and VA Home firms. Finally, this study revealed some factors which motivate Turkish furniture firms toward international markets as like profit and growth goals managerial urge, design and competitive price of products, tax benefits, market information, domestic market, cash sales in the foreign markets, flexibility in both domestic and foreign markets, unsolicited foreign orders, and psychological distance. On the other hand, findings explored the major barriers for Bursa-Inegol furniture firms as foreign government restrictions, lack of governmental assistance in overcoming export barriers, high foreign tariffs, and civil strife, revolution, and wars in the Middle East region. Keywords: Internationalization Process; Turkish Furniture; Network Relationships; Motives and Barriers