Financial factors and export behavior of small and medium-sized enterprises in an emerging economy

Abstract

Financial considerations play a major role influencing the internationalization of firms. However, it is not clear how integrated financial factors such as cost and capital are related to the export behavior of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this study is to examine financial profiles of SMEs in an emerging economy by discriminating between non-exporters and exporters. Survey data from 356 SMEs in Malaysia was analyzed to see how perceived costs, internal financial resources, and external capital constraint are associated with their export status. Through a multiple logistic regression model, it is found that exporters perceive higher internal financial resources and fewer constraints in accessing external capital. They also perceive higher export costs than non-exporters. This study offers academics, entrepreneurs, and policy-makers a comprehensive understanding of financial characteristics that explain the export behavior of SMEs in developing countries.