Internationalization process and complex adaptive systems Rennaly Alves da Silva 1AB , Viviane Santos Salazar B , and Walter Fernando Araújo de Moraes B A Federal University of Paraíba, UFPB, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil B Federal University of Pernambuco, UFPE, Bananeiras, PE, Brazil ARTICLE DETAILS ABSTRACT Article history: Received: March 15, 2017 Reviewed: June 02, 2017 Accepted: October 06, 2017 Available online: November 12, 2017 Double Blind Review System Scientific Editor Diego Pinto This article aims to analyze the characteristics of the internationalization process of companies from the Santa Cruz do Capibaribe clothing hub in Pernambuco, considering the Complex Adaptive Systems approach. The behaviors of two companies towards foreign markets over time are analyzed. The research method is qualitative, with a longitudinal approach, with the strategy being a case study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, as well as observation and research into their documentation. Data analysis is performed by means of the steady comparison method proposed by Merriam (2009). A cross analysis of cases that generated fifteen (15) pieces of evidence is presented. It is understood that the companies in an internationalization process can be regarded as Complex Adaptive Systems. © 2017 Internext | ESPM. All rights reserved! Keywords: Uppsala Model Complex Adaptive Systems Santa Cruz do Capibaribe Industrial Districts 1. INTRODUCTION In general, studies on management are founded on the Cartesian pattern, based on cause and effect relationships. However, due to the changes that have taken place in the business world, our understanding of causal relationships is no longer sufficient to analyze the behavior of organizations (Morin, 2011), especially with regard to operating in international markets, as this involves a complex and diffuse structure in terms of resources, competences and influences (Hilal & Hemais, 2001). It is assumed that the more complex behavior is, the more companies (a type of organization) will show adaptive flexibility in relation to the environment. Any actions taken will be suitable for constantly modifying the company when facing external changes, especially for addressing randomness, troubles and events. They will also be 1 Author’s contact: rennaly@hotmail.com equally capable of modifying the environment, shaping it and adapting it (Morin, 2011). In this sense, the Complexity Paradigm is an alternative and wide-ranging form of perceiving relationships within organizations and their interactions with the market, allowing for multiplicity and uncertainty. Of the approaches that defend this broader view of phenomena, in which organizations come to be seen as a constant interaction process in an attempt to self-organize and adapt to the environment, the Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) approach stands out (Kelly & Allison, 1998). These authors attempt to explain the evolution of CAS through levels of adaptation, ranging from closed relationships to relationship networks. Therefore, this article aims to analyze the characteristics of the internationalization process of two private companies in the Santa Cruz do Review of International Business São Paulo, v.12, n. 3, p. 61-76, sep./dec. 2017 | e-ISSN: 1980-4865 | http://internext.espm.br © 2017 Internext | ESPM. All rights reserved. 10.18568/1980-4865.12361-76