SME entrepreneurial orientation, international performance, and the moderating role of strategic alliances

Brouthers, K. D., Nakos, G. and Dimitratos, P. (2015) SME entrepreneurial orientation, international performance, and the moderating role of strategic alliances. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 39(5), pp. 1161-1187. (doi: 10.1111/etap.12101)

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Abstract

International entrepreneurship research maintains that firms with strong entrepreneurial orientations expand to international markets to enhance performance. Yet these firms can suffer from resource constraints as they move abroad. To alleviate this problem, previous research has suggested participation in strategic alliances. We developed and tested a theoretical perspective that merged these ideas, maintaining that firm-level entrepreneurial orientation is associated with higher international performance both directly and in combination with participation in foreign market research or marketing alliances. Based on surveys of U.S. and U.K. firms, our findings indicate that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have higher international performance when they possess greater entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and when the type of alliance (research or marketing) used is aligned with the capabilities of the firm. Further we find that participating in alliances strengthens the relation between EO and international performance. These results have important implications for managers and policy makers interested in improving SME international performance.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Dimitratos, Professor Pavlos
Authors: Brouthers, K. D., Nakos, G., and Dimitratos, P.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
Journal Name:Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:1042-2587
ISSN (Online):1540-6520

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