Final answer:
The correct answer to the student's question about the early stages of international development for most firms is (e) informal; planned. Firms often start with ad hoc and reactive approaches without a fully developed strategic plan.
Step-by-step explanation:
For most firms, the early stages of international development are often considered to be informal and not fully planned. Therefore, the correct answer to this question is e. informal; planned.
During these initial steps, companies frequently engage in ad hoc approaches to explore opportunities abroad without a comprehensive strategic plan. This phase is characterized by reactivity to external factors and opportunities, rather than a proactive and structured entry into international markets.
For most firms, the early stages of international development are often informal and not fully planned. During these stages, firms may have a loose structure and rely on improvised strategies to navigate foreign markets.
They may also lack a formal plan for implementing their international expansion.