Factors that foster export commitment: an empirical study in SMEs

Abstract

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) committed to exporting require resources and capacities that can position them efficiently in a complex international 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 internationally-diversified 128 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. Finally, we consider some of the potential implications of the results obtained in this study in both research and business practice. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ee.26.3.6456