Key drivers of SMEs export performance: the mediating effect of competitive advantage
Journal of Knowledge Management
ISSN: 1367-3270
Article publication date: 12 February 2018
Issue publication date: 27 March 2018
Abstract
Purpose
With its focus on the context of small firm internationalization, this paper aims to assess the important contribution of strategic determinants that influence export performance (EP), considering the mediating effect of competitive strategy.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on survey data from 247 Portuguese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) exporting textiles, members of the Portugal’s Textile Association (ATP), this research adopted a quantitative methodological approach, conducting an exploratory and transversal empirical study.
Findings
The paper finds suggest that entrepreneurial orientation (EO) has a positive and significant influence on differentiation and EP. Moreover, the results also highlight the role of intangible resources (IR) in the design of both differentiation and cost leadership strategies, which drives EP. Finally, absorptive capabilities (ACAPs) are highly related with EP.
Practical implications
The paper provides empirical evidence that EO, IR and ACAPs are predictors of competitive strategies and EP. Moreover, and alongside with firm’s resources, this study validates that competitive strategy does matters for small firm managers and the development of one type of competitive advantage is also a major performance enhancer.
Originality/value
This study provides fresh insights into entrepreneurship and strategic management literature, as it considers the importance of multiple factors to SMEs business growth. Moreover, this paper presents empirical evidences of the strategies that small firm managers should pursue and policy makers should support. Finally, this is an original study applied to the Portuguese textile industry.
Keywords
Citation
Rua, O., França, A. and Fernández Ortiz, R. (2018), "Key drivers of SMEs export performance: the mediating effect of competitive advantage", Journal of Knowledge Management, Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 257-279. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-07-2017-0267
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited