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The internationalization of SMEs: developing and testing a multi-dimensional measure on Slovenian firms

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  • Mitja Ruzzier
  • Bostjan Antoncic
  • Robert D. Hisrich

Abstract

The internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is explored by focusing on a clarification of the internationalization construct. A set of hypotheses is conceptually developed, including the main dimensions of internationalization (operation mode, market, product, time and performance). The proposed multi-dimensional internationalization construct is empirically tested.Questionnaire data were collected from a sample of 161 Slovenian SMEs. Scales were tested for reliability and validity. Key data analysis (confirmatory factor analyses and structural equation modelling) was conducted using the EQS structural equation modelling software.The multi-dimensionality of the developed SME internationalization construct is confirmed. The findings support the proposed SME internationalization hypotheses for the product, time and performance dimensions in full, and the operation mode and market dimensions in part. The proposed internationalization construct can be considered to be a valid measure of the internationalization of SMEs by capturing their multi-dimensionality.The new construct advanced in this study is richer than previous research and offers a relatively complete picture that can be used as a research framework in future examinations of internationalization. The developed internationalization construct advances SME internationalization theory and is informative for practitioners in developing SME internationalization programmes.

Suggested Citation

  • Mitja Ruzzier & Bostjan Antoncic & Robert D. Hisrich, 2007. "The internationalization of SMEs: developing and testing a multi-dimensional measure on Slovenian firms," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 19(2), pages 161-183, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:entreg:v:19:y:2007:i:2:p:161-183
    DOI: 10.1080/08985620601137646
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    Cited by:

    1. Anna Lejpras, 2015. "Knowledge, location, and internationalization: empirical evidence for manufacturing SMEs," Economics of Innovation and New Technology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(8), pages 734-754, November.
    2. Diana Sari & Quamrul Alam & Nicholas Beaumont, 2008. "Internationalisation of Small Medium Sized Enterprises in Indonesia: Entrepreneur Human and Social Capital," Working Papers in Business, Management and Finance 200801, Department of Management and Business, Padjadjaran University, revised Jan 2008.
    3. Mitja Ruzzier & Jana Hojnik & Aleš Lipnik, 2013. "Relationship between Innovation and Internationalization of Slovenian Internationalized Companies," MIC 2013: Industry, Science and Policy Makers for Sustainable Future; Proceedings of the 14th International Conference, Koper, 21–23 November 2013 [Selected Papers],, University of Primorska, Faculty of Management Koper.
    4. Presutti, Manuela & Boari, Cristina & Fratocchi, Luciano, 2016. "The evolution of inter-organisational social capital with foreign customers: Its direct and interactive effects on SMEs’ foreign performance," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 51(5), pages 760-773.
    5. Vladimirov, Zhelyu & Simeonova-Ganeva, Ralitsa & Ganev, Kaloyan, 2012. "Interaction of leading and supporting factors for the SME competitiveness," MPRA Paper 37251, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    6. Hadia Fakhreldin, 2018. "Examining the Effect of Cultural Intelligence on the Internationalization of Swiss Small and Medium Enterprises," International Business Research, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 11(6), pages 89-101, June.
    7. Li, Tianchen, 2018. "Internationalisation and its determinants:A hierarchical approach," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(4), pages 867-876.
    8. Muralidharan, Etayankara & Pathak, Saurav, 2017. "Informal institutions and international entrepreneurship," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 26(2), pages 288-302.

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