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A systematic literature review on SME internationalization: a personality lens

Author

Listed:
  • Dorinela Ruxandra Munteanu

    (Antwerp Management School
    University of Antwerp)

  • Johanna Vanderstraeten

    (Antwerp Management School
    University of Antwerp)

  • Arjen Witteloostuijn

    (Antwerp Management School
    University of Antwerp
    Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

  • Bart Cambré

    (Antwerp Management School
    University of Antwerp)

Abstract

The importance of the individual decision-maker within the internationalization process of SMEs has extensively been acknowledged in the International Entrepreneurship field. Yet, despite this, the current discourse is mainly limited to socio-demographics, and social and human capital, and does not seem to advance towards the influence and role of, e.g., deeper-level personality aspects on the SME’s internationalization process. Findings are scattered across different fields of research and disciplines, making it difficult to build upon existing knowledge. To address this, we execute a Systematic Literature Review focusing on internationalization, SMEs, and personality, with specific attention for deeper-level personality aspects. Our findings reveal a rather young body of literature which uses a behavioral perspective, and can be subdivided into three overarching research themes: Internationalization Behaviors, Internationalization Initiation, and Internationalization Performance. Our thematic analysis and cross-thematic discussion provide a fertile ground for further studies on the entrepreneur’s deeper-level personality aspects in relation to SME internationalization. In the future research section, we recommend the exploration of alternative behavioral theories, and multi-level and holistic approaches to further explore this promising sub-domain.

Suggested Citation

  • Dorinela Ruxandra Munteanu & Johanna Vanderstraeten & Arjen Witteloostuijn & Bart Cambré, 2023. "A systematic literature review on SME internationalization: a personality lens," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 73(4), pages 1457-1518, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:manrev:v:73:y:2023:i:4:d:10.1007_s11301-022-00279-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s11301-022-00279-4
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    Keywords

    Personality; Small and medium-sized enterprises; Internationalization; Systematic literature review;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M16 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - International Business Administration
    • L25 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Performance
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship

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