Exploring Strategies of American Small Business Owners in United Arab Emirates

Exploring Strategies of American Small Business Owners in United Arab Emirates by Shelley Mosley MPA, Walden University, 2008 BS, Georgia State University, 2002 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2017 Abstract The International Trade Administration reported that 70% of worldwide revenue for American businesses comes from consumers in emergent markets such as India, the Middle East, and Northern Africa. However, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country that many American small business owners are not operating in and capitalizing on the financial opportunities that are available. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies American small business owners use in successful international entrepreneurship for increased revenue and operational longevity. The study population consisted of 5 American small business entrepreneurs who had succeeded operating in the UAE for at least 5 years. The resource-based view theory was the conceptual framework that grounded this study. Data collection included semistructured interviews and a review of company documents and government records. Data analysis involved coding, word clustering, and the use of qualitative data analytical software to identify patterns. Member checking of interview responses helped to strengthen the integrity of the findings. The use of methodical triangulation enabled a rich analysis and an enhanced trustworthiness of the results. The 4 key themes that emerged from the data analysis were strategic planning, understanding local culture, building relationships, and using digital platforms. Small business owners could use the key themes for the development of international entrepreneurial strategies. The findings from this study and the knowledge generated may influence positive social change by increasing local employment, improving economic conditions, and promoting the development of international business operations for American entrepreneurs.The International Trade Administration reported that 70% of worldwide revenue for American businesses comes from consumers in emergent markets such as India, the Middle East, and Northern Africa. However, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country that many American small business owners are not operating in and capitalizing on the financial opportunities that are available. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies American small business owners use in successful international entrepreneurship for increased revenue and operational longevity. The study population consisted of 5 American small business entrepreneurs who had succeeded operating in the UAE for at least 5 years. The resource-based view theory was the conceptual framework that grounded this study. Data collection included semistructured interviews and a review of company documents and government records. Data analysis involved coding, word clustering, and the use of qualitative data analytical software to identify patterns. Member checking of interview responses helped to strengthen the integrity of the findings. The use of methodical triangulation enabled a rich analysis and an enhanced trustworthiness of the results. The 4 key themes that emerged from the data analysis were strategic planning, understanding local culture, building relationships, and using digital platforms. Small business owners could use the key themes for the development of international entrepreneurial strategies. The findings from this study and the knowledge generated may influence positive social change by increasing local employment, improving economic conditions, and promoting the development of international business operations for American entrepreneurs. Exploring Strategies of American Small Business Owners in United Arab Emirates by Shelley Mosley MPA, Walden University, 2008 BS, Georgia State University, 2002 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2017 Dedication This study is dedicated to my late grandfather, Eugene R. Baker, who constantly encouraged me to never give up. He supported my dedication to scholarship and provided for me partly through this journey. In addition, to the late Mrs. Katherine Starks – Lawrence, who started the same time as I, and eventually became my friend until God called her home before finishing this journey to reap her rewards in heaven. Acknowledgments Thank you good Lord for sustaining me through the most arduous and most meticulous project of my life. The doctoral process seemed as though it would never end. Thanks to my mentor, Dr. Thomas Schaefer, for helping me through this journey. The willingness to always help, keen listening skills, calm demeanor, and candid responses really made a difference in this journey. You are truly a good mentor. I give much appreciation to Dr. Lionel de Sousa, my second committee member, for the thorough academic reviews which helped extend my scholarly perspicuity. Thanks also to Dr. Peter Anthony, my URR, for helping me through the process. I will always be forever grateful to Dr. Josef Passley, a 2004 Walden graduate, for coaching and mentoring me throughout life’s journey. Thank you for helping me preserve. You are the very best! I owe much gratitude to Dr. Martina Musteen, a professor at San Diego State University and the director of the I-E Scholars organization, for being very helpful by offering great resources for international entrepreneurs. I also thank my family for their patience, and the few friends I have left who have truly understood and showed their never-ending camaraderie while I continuously toiled through the doctoral process for too long. To all, I can say – YES, THE PAPER IS FINALLY COMPLETED, AND THIS JOURNEY HAS FINALLY ENDED!