The internationalization of the Dutch PTT Telecom from a cultural perspective

This paper explores the globalization of the European public telecorn operators (PTO). Technological revolutions, deregulation, privatization and business strategies of multi national corporations (MNC) have dramatically changed the international and domestic telecom sector. PTOs are no longer monopolistic in their domestic markets but have to compete with other companies. In order to adapt on this new and uncertain situation the European PTOs have expanded beyond national markets. To expand strategies of transnationalization and strategic alliances have been used. The process of internationalization has created a dynamic network of cross-border strategic alliances between European, Latin American, Asian and American telecom companies. This paper points to the need of studying the process of internationalization from a cultural perspective. The focus of the study will be to explore the dynamic and complex world of telecommunications within a multi-level framework: the macro, the meso, and the micro level. The international activities of the Dutch PTT Telecom, part of the Royal PTT Nederland NV, provides a unique opportunity for a systematic examination of the internationalization process. At macro level the causes and effects of the turbulence in the telecom sector will be described. At meso level the internationalization strategies of the Dutch PTT Telecom and the cultural differences in the strategic alliance Unisource will be worked out. At micro level it will be examined how employees of the PTT Telecom deal with cultural differences in Indonesia and The Netherlands Antilles.