The Helsinki internationalization process model and POM posture: deviations, explanations, and future research

Reijo Luostarinen introduced a process model, the Helsinki Model, that captures the mainstream internationalization behaviour of firms along three strategic postures: products, operations and markets. I introduce the key theoretical mechanisms that underlie this model, illustrate three important deviations to it that he and I jointly studied, and scrutinize them in light of the same theoretical elements that underlie the original model. First, there are deviations in the linear progress of the mainstream model, exemplified by de-internationalization and re-internationalization. Second, a large group of firms, so-called born globals, seemingly differ from the mainstream model by advancing more rapidly, bypassing certain stages. Third, some firms, which we term globalizing internationals, first internationalize by diversifying to many strategic business units, then at some point globalize their business by directing all their effort to a select few businesses. I provide theoretical explanations and suggest future research avenues related to all three deviations.