Factors that foster export commitment: an empirical study in small and medium-sized enterprises

Abstract

All Rights Reserved.Previous research on the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has highlighted the role of resources and capacities in the positioning of SMEs in a competitive global environment. Based on resources and capacities theory, this study examines the relationship between resources (material and immaterial) and capacities (technological, business, financial, human and commercial) and the international commitment of SMEs. The study also examines the relationship between these capacities and the level of export commitment using structural equation techniques. The study is based on a sample of 128 internationally-diversified SMEs from the Spanish region of La Rioja. Using different modelling techniques, the results of the study confirm the existence of a significant relationship between different SME resources and the export policies of SMEs. Specifically we find that the size of a company, the extent of its coverage of the domestic market, its international experience, having growth as a business objective, its commitment to technological activities, and the international experience of its managers all have a positive effect on its international commitment. Finally, we consider some of the potential implications of the results obtained in this study in both research and business practice.