Identifying Critical Export Performance Drivers Through SWARA Analysis: Internal vs. External Factors

MSMEs are considered to be the backbone of India's current and future economic progress. These institutions are geared to support and encourage the development of new-generation entrepreneurs in India who have the potential to create global competitive businesses. However, achieving the right resource balance is critical for these firms. As a result, a set of 14 relevant factors from the resource-based view (RBV) model were discovered and ranked using modified total interpretive structural modeling in order to reflect their impact on MSMEs' export performance. Together with the MICMAC methodology, this method establishes a hierarchical relationship between the factors. Our findings, which back up earlier studies, confirm the impact of these 14 essential components on RBV modeling adoption on MSMEs' export success. The components covered in the analysis have emerged as linkage elements, establishing a strong basis for MSMEs to internationalize competitively and become resilient in their approach by developing a deep strategic connection among themselves. Strategic direction, upper echelon orientation, financial capacity, and the external environment all have a significant impact on MSMEs' export performance. Finally, the implications for research and practise are examined in order to assist decision-makers in developing a long-term competitive edge for Indian firms.

This study identified the export antecedents that could influence the occurrence of export performance of the industry. The export antecedents are the phenomenon that acts as a backend support system for effective export performance. This study aims to build a simple linear model representing the structural relationship between the export antecedents and export performance. The model building is based on the identified antecedents and attempts to reflect the combined gist of pre-established theories, that is, contingency theory, resource-based view and dynamic capabilities. In data interpretation, second-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) helps to analyse the combined impact of all studied antecedents on export performance. The identified antecedents are export knowledge, export perception, export commitment, export strategy and organizational capability as independent variables tested against the dependent variable export performance.

Purpose Artificial intelligence (AI) is a significant trend in digital technology that is revolutionizing the field of global business and internationalization. Based on institutional theory and resource-based view, this study examines the intricate relationship between AI capabilities and export performance, taking into account the different province market development within a country and cultural distance. Design/methodology/approach This study gathered data from the websites of privately owned Chinese exporters and complemented it with a survey in 2023. In conducting the survey, we employed a simple random-sampling approach to select 1,500 exporters in China, with a focus on economic development indicators, particularly GDP contribution. We received 1,000 surveys, but only 749 were valid due to missing data. The study’s comprehensive coverage of regions ensured the inclusion of potential variations and subnational disparities within the country. This study conducted ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, and standardized variables before entering into the regressions. Findings The results demonstrate that AI capabilities have a significant positive impact on export performance. In addition, the influence of AI capabilities on export performance varies depending on the home-country and host-country institutional environment. The relationship between AI capabilities and export performance is strengthened by larger cultural distance, while province market development within a country has a negative moderating effect on this relationship. In less developed markets, the AI capabilities can drive significantly export performance. In developed markets with more advanced institutional development, the significance of AI capabilities in reducing transaction costs diminishes due to established institutions and market structures. AI capabilities serve as an intermediary institutional mechanism that connects the institutional context of the home country with the cultural environment of the host country. Originality/value While the impact of AI on international business and internationalization performance is a growing area of study, further exploration of the moderating factors that influence this relationship is needed. Organizations operating in diverse global markets are profoundly shaped by institutional contexts in their operational environments. This research addresses the relatively unexplored role of institutional factors within the home country (provincial market development) and host country (cultural distance) in moderating the effects of AI capabilities on export performance. This study illuminates the intricate dynamics underlying the relationship between AI capabilities and export performance, with a specific focus on province-level market development and cultural distance. Employing institutional theory as the overarching framework, this research sheds light on how AI serves as an intermediary institutional mechanism, bridging the gaps related to cultural differences and varying market development levels. In doing so, it contributes to academia by advancing our understanding of how AI is shaping internationalization dynamics and the interaction between AI capabilities and institutional factors. Additionally, it offers insights for business managers and policymakers to make informed strategic decisions regarding AI capabilities.

Export diversification, i.e. the degree to which the company pursues sales opportunities across different export markets, is a fundamental aspect of export strategy (Aulakh et al. 2000). However, research on the relationship between export diversification and export performance is limited. Additionally, while there have been few inroads regarding the study of the impact of export diversification on export performance (e.g. Aulakh et al. 2000), research on variables that can affect the usefulness of pursuing higher/lower export diversification levels on export performance is scant. This is an important research gap, as managers need to have information regarding factors which they can manipulate to leverage the advantages of diversification for export performance. The present study aims to address the research gaps presented above. Drawing on contingency theory (e.g. Zajac et al. 2000) and on the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm (e.g. Barney 1991), we develop and test a model where we examine (1) the link between export diversification and export performance, and (2) the role of export marketing strategy adaptation and export human capital as moderators of such relationship. To test our theoretical model, we use data gathered via a cross-sectional online survey of UK exporters. Our findings indicate that the link between export diversification and export performance is tied to multiple contingencies. Firms get the highest export performance benefit when they simultaneously pursue higher levels of export diversification and of export marketing strategy adaptation. However, this only applies to firms with greater levels of export human capital. For firms with lower levels of human capital, diversification is detrimental for performance, especially under greater levels of export marketing strategy adaptation.

PurposeThis study aims to determine the simultaneous effect of exporting firms' competitive strategies and capabilities on the achievement of competitive advantages and export performance under the boundary conditions of competitive intensity. In so doing, the study combines the alternative theoretical lenses of the resource-based view (RBV) and the structure–conduct–performance (SCP) paradigm.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data were obtained from 281 Turkish manufacturer–exporter firms operating in different sectors and located in several regions of the country. Structural equation modeling was utilized to test our conceptual framework, which combined the effects of RBV-based and SCP-based factors on competitive advantages and export performance under the moderating influence of competitive intensity.FindingsThis study reveals that unique firm capabilities, specifically informational, relational, and marketing capabilities, and competitive strategies, including differentiation and cost leadership, provide export firms with a competitive advantage and improve their export performance in foreign markets. Furthermore, competitive advantages partially mediate the effects of competitive strategies and unique firm capabilities on export performance. Finally, unexpectedly, and contrary to most of the existing literature, we find that competitive intensity negatively moderates the link between service advantages and export performance.Originality/valueThis research offers a comprehensive view of manufacturer–exporter firms' export performance by accounting for the overlooked simultaneous effect of firm capabilities and competitive strategies through the mediation of competitive advantages and under the boundary conditions of competitive intensity.

PURPOSE: This paper answered the research gap on entrepreneurial orientation with a sample of small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) export performance and the mediating role of innovation capability and international networking accessibility that has not been tested in previous research. This study also tested the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on SMEs’ export performance in the global market. The mediating role of international networking accessibility and innovation capability on SMEs’ export performance also became another focus of this study. METHODOLOGY: This paper implemented a quantitative approach with 282 owners or managers of the SMEs brass industry cluster in Boyolali, Indonesia, who were examined using purposive sampling. FINDINGS: The findings of this study revealed that entrepreneurial orientation did not significantly affect SMEs’ export performance but did significantly affect innovation capability and international networking accessibility. Another empirical test found that innovation capability had significantly affected SMEs’ export performance and the international networking accessibility. International networking accessibility also significantly affected the performance of export SMEs. This study also found an important mediating role of international network accessibility and innovation capability in the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and SMEs’ export performance. IMPLICATIONS: This study contributes to research investigating the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on performance by conducting in-depth studies on innovation capabilities and international networking accessibility. Many studies have tested the mediating role of innovation capability and international networking accessibility. The practical implication of this study is that it can help managers or owners of SMEs better understand and find optimal solutions through enhancing innovation capability and international networking accessibility, which can be instilled in the characteristics of SME owners or managers to improve performance. ORIGINALITY AND VALUE: The results of this study indicate the mediating role of innovation capability and accessibility of international networking on SMEs’ export performance. Therefore, the main contribution of the study is to determine the mediating role of innovation capability and international network accessibility in the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and performance by integrating the theoretical perspective of the resource-based view (RBV).

In this study we analyze the contingent effects of the firm's internal factors in the influence of pioneer orientation on new product performance. The results obtained show that in dynamic and hostile industries, pioneer orientation has a positive influence on the performance of new products. We have found that technological capabilities, cross-functional integration and internal commitment allow pioneer firms to improve their new product performance. However, strong market intelligence can induce pioneer firms to direct their new products to a secure but limited market, and worsen outcomes. We reinforce first mover advantage (FMA) literature highlighting the promotional role of several internal factors in pioneer advantage. We note the complementary character of the resource based view (RBV), marketing and the organization theory to the explanation of the performance of those firms developing a pioneer orientation.

PurposeEmerging markets play an important role in the global economy. However, a common feature of most emerging markets is that firms must operate in a resource-constrained environment. In emerging markets, global mindset is a necessary resource for firms’ global competitiveness. Although global mindset has been proven to improve export performance, the theoretical mechanism behind this relationship is less clear. Based on the resource-based on the resource-based view and capability-building perspective, this study developed a model linking global mindset, relational capability, bricolage capability, innovation, and export performance.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted to collect data from exporting firms in Taiwan. Subsequently, the data (n= 172) were analyzed using a partial least squares program.FindingsThe analytical results reveal that a global mindset positively influences relational and bricolage capabilities; relational capability positively affects bricolage capability; relational capability and bricolage capability have significant and direct effects on innovation; and innovation positively affects export performance.Originality/valueThe findings confirm that a global mindset plays a crucial role in the capability-building process, which suggests that it contributes to the development of relational and bricolage capabilities. Also, relational capability is critical for exporting firms to develop bricolage capability. Finally, innovation is an important mediating mechanism between capabilities and export performance. Therefore, exporting firms can develop their international business models on the basis of their capabilities, including relational capability and bricolage capability. These capabilities improve innovation, which, in turn, enhances export performance in a resource-constrained environment.

PurposeDigital transformation is a foundational change in how firms operate and deliver value to customers by using digital technologies to create new business opportunities. The purpose of this study is to offer a conceptual framework by reorganizing the elements of digital transformation, including resources, technology, capabilities and performance, into a workable process and investigating how firms integrate these resources, build new capabilities and transform them into enhanced performance.Design/methodology/approachThis framework builds three blocks: resource integration, organizational capabilities and outcomes, exploring the impact of resource integration on outcomes through organizational capabilities. For resource integration, this study adopts a resource-based view (RBV) and service-dominant logic (SDL) to integrate organizational resources, including information technology (IT)-based resources, which play a role in moderating the effect of resource integration. Moreover, the author argues that firms’ capabilities have two levels: higher-order capabilities and lower-order capabilities, which will convert these resources through the capabilities into organizational performance.FindingsThis framework is built to understand the process of digital transformation and its antecedents for firms’ performance in business environments. Drawing on RBV, it provides a more holistic perspective that has been linked to resource integration, organizational capabilities and outcomes at the firm level. In this way, the theoretical basis for diminishing implicitness associated with the current perspective of digital transformation can be strengthened.Originality/valueThis paper offers a coherent discussion of digital transformation and explains the process of digital transformation, thus advancing prior work. The major contribution is connecting the process of digital transformation through which firms integrate resources, i.e. digital technologies and valuable, rare, inimitable and nonsubstitutable (VRIN) and nonVRIN resources as well, to build organizational dynamic capabilities based on RBV and SDL.

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the internal factors of resources and capabilities of five born globals (BGs) from Estonia. It explores quantitatively the internal factors between a medium BG and four small BGs.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a survey questionnaire in collecting information from the CEOs of BGs. The questionnaire consisted of 105 questions relevant to export sales related to differences in internal factors.FindingsThe firms’ size and industrial sector play a role in export sales due to differences in internal factors. Small BGs expect financially based rewards, non-financial rewards, the job satisfaction of sales representatives with the export manager, and with work in general, and the representatives’ job satisfaction is higher in the small BGs than in the medium BG. The sales representatives’ job performance, their work performance, sales presentations, technical knowledge, adaptiveness, teamwork, planning, support, the organisational capabilities for business identification, relationship-building and innovation are all higher in medium BGs than in small BGs. Eleven sub-constructs of the model were shown to be important for small BGs.Originality/valueThe current study is focused on BGs from Estonia, i.e. small BGs and medium BGs. The study contributes to the internal factors of resources and capabilities of BGs as well as to the literature review on BGs. It also provides a logical conceptual model, indicating that the export manager’s job satisfaction is the central construct influenced by antecedent factors and is related directly to the export sales performance of the BG.

Purpose: This study investigates the determinants of export performance for tree seeds by the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) through an analytical framework grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory. It aims to identify and analyze the influence of Foreign Market Characteristics (FMC), Export Competence (EC), and Business Environment (BE) on the export performance of tree seeds in Tanzania. Design/Methodology: The study adopted a longitudinal research design to analyze the export dynamics and performance of tree seeds in Tanzania over 14 years, from 2003 to 2016. Data was collected from TFS over 14 years, covering export volumes and values. The analysis examines the effects of FMC, EC, and BE on tree seed export performance. Findings: The findings indicate that FMC, EC, and BE significantly affect export performance. Foreign market characteristics enhance export performance by improving market demand and accessibility. Export competence contributes to success through superior production quality and logistics. A supportive business environment facilitates exports by reducing trade barriers and improving infrastructure. Thus, these insights suggest the need to foster internal competencies, improve export strategies, and enhance regulatory and economic frameworks to boost the export potential of tree seeds from Tanzania. Originality/Value: This study offers new insights into how internal capabilities and external market conditions jointly influence the export performance of tree seeds. It bridges theoretical frameworks with practical implications for TFS. The study provides actionable recommendations for policymakers to improve export strategies, optimize market access, and strengthen business conditions, thereby advancing Tanzania’s position in the global tree seed market.

The purpose of the current study is to investigate how organizational resources and capabilities affect corporate environmental strategy (CES) and performance based on an extended natural resource-based view (NRBV). In contrast with existing studies showing only partial relationships, such as the relationship between CES and firm performance, the current study investigates comprehensive relationships among core NRBV variables and develops an integrated model by combining a resource-based view (RBV), NRBV and competitive advantage theory. The NRBV, as an extension of Barney’s (1991) RBV, is the first model to advocate the importance of corporate capabilities with natural environmental consideration (Hart, 1995). However, this NRBV does not explicitly address the role of corporate proactive environmental strategy (PES) as a determinant of performance. To differentiate the current study with existing studies focusing on the relationship between PES and performance, the current study investigates the driving forces of PES in the nexus of the PES-performance. Further, it examines performance from both environmental and financial perspectives. As such, the model in this thesis identifies six key variables which include (i) organizational resources, (ii) organizational capabilities, (iii) PES, (iv) competitive advantage, (v) environmental performance, and (vi) financial performance. The current study used model comparison techniques and identified a two-tier structure of factors which are associated with organizational resources and capabilities before investigating causality. For the empirical analysis, the current study employed the structural equation modeling (SEM) using from participants in Korean manufacturing.

The objective of this study was to identify the key variables affecting export performance at the firm level and draw the policy implications necessary to enhance Oman fish exports. The methodology adopted is inspired from the international marketing literature, which postulates that export performance is determined by both internal factors, under the control of the firm, and external factors. Empirically, the study used an econometric model and a firm survey data to investigate the link between export intensity, defined as the proportion of export sale to total sale and 4 sets of firm-level specific factors: (1) firm size and competencies, (2) management characteristics, (3) management perceptions and attitude, and (4) marketing strategy. Results show that both the age and firm size, measured by the number of years in business and the number of employees, had no significant effect on export performance. Managers' education level, previous work experience, commitment to exporting activities, diversification, and availability of information on foreign markets are all significant variables, positively affecting export performance. These results underscore a role of the private sector in upgrading their human and physical capital and the role of a government as a public good provider in securing information and providing financial incentives to reduce risk associated with diversifying export

Exporting has been one of the fastest foreign expansion strategies in the last two decades. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of an exporter's location in the development of export-related resources and capabilities, which will have an impact on the degree of export performance. The relationship between export-related resources, capabilities, and export performance are examined in this study. A total of 300 questionnaires were sent out to coffee and sesame exporters. However, only 253 surveys were used for analysis. The SmartPLS 3 software was used to analyse the data using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) technique. The study's findings suggest that access to location-specific resources and skills are critical antecedents for a company's ability to build export-related resources and capabilities in order to improve export performance. The geographic location of a company has a considerable and beneficial impact on human resource capability (β =0.67, p=0.001). Information capability was not significantly influenced by human resource capability ((β =0.082, P=0.259). Information capability ((β =0.656, p=0.001) is significantly influenced by organizational planning capability ((β =0.452, p=0.001). Satisfaction Export Performance ((β =0.431, p=0.01) has been significantly and positively influenced by information capability. New Product Development Capability influences strategic export performance significantly and positively ((β =0.330, p=0.001). Strategic export performance ((β =-0.035, P= 0.820) and satisfaction with export performance ((β =0.050, P= 0.625) were not affected by relationship capability. These data suggest that when it comes to exporting, rural businesses face significantly greater obstacles than those in metropolitan areas. The outcomes of this study will assist managers of remote-area businesses in developing equally appealing recruitment and reward practices in order to compete with businesses in urban areas. Furthermore, the outcomes of this study advise that export firm managers think carefully about the resources and capabilities required to improve their export performance.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to use the resource‐based view (RBV) to analyze the influence of the resources available for the export activity (deriving from the firm's size, experience and structure) and the international marketing strategy on export performance.Design/methodology/approachA sample of Spanish companies is analyzed using logit modeling.FindingsThe results show that the resources available are essential antecedents of the type of export strategy chosen by the firm to compete in international markets and of its export performance. Likewise, although the international expansion strategy adopted does not affect export performance, the decision about whether to standardize or adapt the marketing‐mix elements does have an impact.Originality/valueThe paper tries to solve the problem arising from the contradictory results on the effect of export performance antecedents using the RBV as theoretical foundation. With that purpose, the authors analyze jointly the factors proposed as potential determinants in this research.