SME networks and international performance: Unveiling the significance of foreign market entry mode

Abstract

This study investigates the relevance of inter-organizational networks for the international performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in relation to the foreign market entry mode (FMEM) selected. We distinguish two groups of internationalized SMEs: exporting firms and micromultinational enterprises (mMNEs). Drawing on insights from the network theory, our study accounts for the role of intermediate outcomes (innovative behavior and foreign market knowledge). Structural equation modeling is conducted in a sample of UK-based internationalized SMEs. Our findings suggest that inter-organizational networks have an indirect influence on international performance but differences are found among the two groups of internationalized SMEs.