The impact of psychic distance on the internationalisation of the Australian firm

This paper explores the relationship between management characteristics and psychic distance, psychic distance and internationalisation and management characteristics and internationalisation. It is argued that internationalisation takes different forms and that psychic distance will impact differently on each form whether it is outward, inward or linked. It is shown that whereas some management characteristics impact on internationalisation directly, others have impact through psychic distance acting as an intervening variable. The management implications for the above are discussed, as is its effect on planning future international activities.