A influência de uma instituição formal no processo de internacionalização de empresas

Abstract

The globalization of markets is a fact that is progressively developing, and, in this way, the understanding of cultural and social aspects emerges as a fundamental challenge in the process of internationalization of companies, in the search for global markets, in the conquest and especially in the maintenance of these new consumers. It is important to understand the context in which organizations are, to understand their structures and processes. The organization situated in an institutional environment defines its strategy and the necessary competences to implement them in a process of permanent learning. The present study aimed to describe and analyze the role of the Brazil Rio Grande do Sul (AHK RS) Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the internationalization process of associated companies. In view of the relevance of the Brazil-Germany Chamber of Commerce and Industry through the promotion and stimulation of bilateral economic relations between the two countries, a case study was chosen as a method of study. To comply with the proposed objective, six interviews were conducted, in which two were with members of the AHK RS (director and contributor) and the others were with companies associated with the Rio Grande do Sul Chamber of Commerce and Industry located in the city of Panambi. During the research it was well-known that the promotion and stimulation of bilateral economic relations between Brazil and Germany are at the main objectives and mission of the Chamber. In addition, it was noticed that the institution helps to make the south of Brazil better known in Germany and Europe, opening doors for the production and services of its associates in the international market. It was also noted that the Chamber, in its role of institution, attributes legitimacy to its members, serving as a seal of quality and trust. Among the reasons that led the companies to associate themselves with the Chamber, the fact is that the institution has a long-established reference, the networking promoted by the same, the stimulation of the relationship between companies and the aid of the AHK RS in the negotiations, missions between government agencies. Yet, among the barriers faced by companies as they expand their business to the international market, the lack of knowledge about foreign markets, language and trade, tax and tariff barriers were pointed out by the interviewees. In this regard, the Chamber offers the translation service to overcome the language barrier, as well as providing network, know-how and fairs for its members.