Entrepreneurs’ Export Orientation and Growth Aspirations: The Moderating Role of Individual Human Capital

Abstract

We investigate the effect of entrepreneurs’ export orientation on growth aspirations, contingent on their level of human capital. We argue that the higher the entrepreneurs’ export orientation, the higher their growth aspirations. Importantly, we also suggest that these aspirations will vary depending on two endowments of individual human capital. To test our hypotheses, we employ a multilevel model analysis, using a combined dataset drawn from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) and the World Bank in 78 countries. The results show that entrepreneurs’ export orientation does not significantly affect growth aspirations. However, we find that its effect on aspirations is significantly higher for those entrepreneurs holding greater levels of both higher education and entrepreneurial experience. Implications from these findings are discussed.