Internationalisation by australian franchisors

In this article the process of international entry by Australian franchisors is explored. A small number of Australian franchisors was examined — composed of those planning to internationalise as well as those which had already started international operations. A range of influences, both internal and external to the firm, was found to be important in encouraging or pushing the franchisor along the road to international entry — most important being the approach by an interested foreign party. The research revealed a general preference for low commitment foreign entry methods. As with U.S. franchisors the master licensing method was the most preferred approach. The overwhelming bulk of the international franchising by Australian companies has occurred in just three countries: New Zealand, the United States and the United Kingdom.