Intrafirm causal ambiguity in an international context

► Presence of intrafirm linkage ambiguity in international context was verified by contrasting perceptual with empirical observations. ► A significant misperception among managers was demonstrated about the critical competences that drive the firm's performance. ► Indications of both linkage and characteristics ambiguity were found. ► Firm-specific competences, with inherent characteristics to be complex and tacit, were found to be the most significant source of causal ambiguity.