Entrepreneurial Mindset and SME Internationalisation: Empirical Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between Entrepreneurial Mindset and SME Internationalization in Uganda. The study conceptualized entrepreneurial mindset along three dimensions Deliberative mindsets, Implemental mindsets and Compulsive mindsets and each dimension was tested to see how it correlates with SME internationalization. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted a correlation and cross-sectional research design targeting owners and managers on a sample of 197 exporting SMEs in Uganda. Hypotheses were tested using partial least squares- structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique. Findings: The findings reveal that among the three dimensions of entrepreneurial mindset, it’s only the implemental mindsets that are positively and significantly related to SME Internationalisation. Practical implications: Successful SME internationalization in a developing country like Uganda can be achieved by managers and owners who have thoughts that are more inclined to putting into action the pre-conceived ideas. Originality/value: The study ventured into a less studied area in SME Internationalisation and uncovers the reality that among the sub-domains of entrepreneurial mindset, it’s only the implemental mindsets that strongly predict SME internationalization. Keywords: Entrepreneurial Mindset, Internationalisation, SMEs, Uganda.