Toward a better understanding of the managerial practices of Ivorian business leaders in the international arena

This chapter explores the managerial practices adopted by African business leaders, particularly in the context of internationalization, focusing on companies in Ivory Coast. Despite growing interest in emerging markets, African companies have been underrepresented in international management studies, particularly in terms of managerial practices. The study critically examines existing internationalization models – such as the Uppsala model, Born Globals, and theories specific to emerging markets, like Springboard Theory and the LLL (Linkage – Leverage – Learning) model – highlighting their applicability and limitations in the African context. Through a case study of four Ivorian companies, the research reveals that internationalization practices cannot be neatly aligned with any single model. Instead, a combination of approaches is observed, with specific practices such as proactiveness, determination, collaboration and uncertainty management being crucial in the Ivorian context. This research contributes to the resilience of African companies by offering insights into the practical challenges they face and the strategies they adopt, emphasizing the need for context-specific managerial practices in international expansion.