Original Research

Modelling the antecedents for export orientation, innovation capacity and performance for South African manufacturing SMEs

Glynis J. Harrison, David Pooe
Acta Commercii | Vol 22, No 1 | a989 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ac.v22i1.989 | © 2022 Glynis J. Harrison, David Pooe | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 26 November 2021 | Published: 23 September 2022

About the author(s)

Glynis J. Harrison, Department of Business Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
David Pooe, Department of Business Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Orientation: In order to improve performance, South African manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to constantly look at expanding their markets by exploring export opportunities and innovating their products and services.

Research purpose: The aim of this study was to model the antecedents for export orientation, innovation capacity and SME performance.

Motivation for the study: Although the influence of export orientation and innovation capacity on firm performance is well established, this study has brought together these capabilities as well as SME absorptive capacity, knowledge management and entrepreneurial competence into one model.

Research design, approach and method: The study adopted a quantitative research approach and employed a cross-sectional survey of 207 SMEs in South Africa. Structural equation modelling was employed for data analysis using AMOS 26.0.

Main findings: Absorptive capacity and knowledge management capabilities are certainly significant capabilities that should be embedded in the SME business, in view of their role in positively influencing the development of export orientation and innovation capacity, and that the influence of entrepreneurial competence is not significant enough. The results of the study showed that the primary data collected and analysed fit the posited model.

Practical/managerial implications: With SMEs seeking to enter the export market faced with a number of challenges as they begin to explore unchartered waters, the ability to learn and assimilate new knowledge will stand SMEs in good stead as they expand their markets beyond the present boundaries.

Contribution/value-add: The study’s findings extend the principle of distributed focus of attention into a possible new theory called SME Export and Innovation Attention Theory.


Keywords

absorptive capacity; knowledge management capability; entrepreneurial competence; innovation capacity; export orientation; SME performance.

Metrics

Total abstract views: 2531
Total article views: 2444


Crossref Citations

No related citations found.