Title: The entrepreneurial export orientation and performance of small firms in a developing economy

Authors: John O. Okpara, Jean D. Kabongo

Addresses: Department of Management, College of Business, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Sutliff Hall, Room 266, 400 East Second St, Bloomsburg, PA 17815-1301, USA. ' Department of Business Administration, Millersville University, P.O. Box 1002, Millersville, PA 17551-0302, USA

Abstract: This exploratory research aims to fill a gap in the literature. There has been a great deal of research on the Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) and export performance of small firms; however, these studies have been primarily conducted in the West. Little research has been conducted on this in Nigeria. In fact, research on this topic is disappointingly scarce. Since very little research has been conducted on this topic in Nigeria, undeniably there is a knowledge gap in the understanding of this issue with regard to the Nigerian environment. This study is an attempt to bridge that gap. This research uses a quantitative research design using survey methods with statistical treatment. The study offers practical suggestions on how small firms can improve growth, performance and profitability by engaging in proactive export behaviours. The paper also stresses the importance developing export markets because they enhance growth, performance and profitability.

Keywords: Nigeria; developing economies; entrepreneurial orientation; globalisation; small business; exporting; export performance; small firms; entrepreneurship; firm growth; firm performance; profitability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGSB.2009.024573

International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business, 2009 Vol.3 No.3, pp.288 - 305

Published online: 10 Apr 2009 *

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