Internationalization of African-ethnic restaurants: A qualitative enquiry using the dynamic capabilities perspective
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Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tourism Management Perspectives
Abstract
The study analyzes the relationship between dynamic capabilities and the degree of inward internationalization
of African-ethnic restaurants in East Africa. A qualitative approach using ten case restaurants assessed adaptive,
absorptive and innovative capabilities and, howthey relatewith degree of inward internationalization. The study
establishes that food quality assurance, food authenticity, personalized service and security assurance are used by
ethnic restaurants to increase food tourist inflows. The study further found that knowledge absorption capacity
helped ethnic restaurants to attract and retain food tourists. The study also found that innovative capabilities including
adoption of new technology, adopting eclectic approaches and the ability to provide awide assortment of
dishes and regular menu updateswas very instrumental in enhancing the level of inward internationalization. As
such, the study through three models provides a theoretical explanation for the degree of inward internationalization
of African-ethnic restaurants, and presents its theoretical, methodological, policy and managerial
implications.
Description
Keywords
Dynamic capabilities, Inward internationalization, Ethnic restaurants, East Africa
Citation
Otengei, S. O., Bakunda, G., Ngoma, M., Ntayi, J. M., & Munene, J. C. (2017). Internationalization of African-ethnic restaurants: A qualitative enquiry using the dynamic capabilities perspective. Tourism Management Perspectives, 21, 85-99. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2016.12.001