Entrepreneurship, Learning Orientation and Export Performance: The Moderating Effect of Network Capacity and Psychic Distance

Based on a resource-based view and contingency-based approach, the current research investigated the link between several internal and external factors, export entrepreneurship and export performance, considering the moderating impact of psychic distance and network capacities. A random sample of 296 export managers was chosen to collect the research data, which were examined through PLS structural equation modeling. Findings demonstrated that export-learning-orientation and export entrepreneurship positively affect export performance. Moreover, export commitment and competitive intensity were the key attributes and predictors of export entrepreneurship. Psychic distance did not affect export entrepreneurship directly but had a negative moderating impact on the link between export-learning-orientation and export performance. Moreover, the moderating effect of network capacities on the link between export entrepreneurship on export performance was confirmed. Evidence from this study suggests that export entrepreneurship is multifactorial, driven by a variety of internal and external factors that are primarily contextual. Export managers of SMEs can use above findings in their decision-making and actions about the firms' export activity to enhance export performance.