Internationalization through exaptation: The role of domestic geographical dispersion in the internationalization process

We introduce the notion of exaptation to internationalization theory, a process in which a capability is re-used for a purpose and in a context different than its historical purpose and context. Specifically, we examine which domestic capabilities may be redeployed when organizations engage in cross-border M&As for the first time. We suggest that organizations exapt (re-use) coordination and control capabilities, initially developed to manage...