Abstract

This paper provides evidence of the international patterns of Chinese firms in the healthcare sector through the experience of Tong Ren Tang, a global player in Traditional Chinese Medicine sub-sector (TCM). In an institutional framework where the healthcare has a relevant impact not only for the domestic growth of the country but also for its international exposure, a SWOT analysis of the firm is presented. Shifting from a micro to a macro perspective, the SWOT model is built by integrating international models proposed by the literature with an institutional based view. By understanding the reasons behind the internationalization strategy of the firm and the main factors affecting its success, we aim to contribute to the literature on the international development of Chinese firms in TCM.