Do firms perform better during re-internationalisation

Re-internationalisation, or firms' re-entry into internationalisation after they had completely abandoned all their previous internationalisation efforts, is a less explored phenomenon. In this paper, we discuss findings from an empirical study that compares performance of re-internationalised Indian firms during re-internationalisation period as against during initial internationalisation period by using both primary and secondary data. Results from a survey administered among top-level managers of the re-internationalised firms indicated that firm performance during re-internationalisation is better and significant than during initial internationalisation. Results from the analysis of secondary data using various financial indicators of performance corroborated the findings from the survey results. Being the first among its kind, we expect this study sets a foundation for researchers to delve into deeper questions. This study also bears implications for practitioners on formulation of their strategies of internationalisation and re-internationalisation and for policymakers designing regulatory policies and subventions related to firm internationalisation and re-internationalisation.