Firm resources, export strategies and the degree of internalization: A research on small and medium sized exporters

This study examines the effects of firm characteristics and top managers? entrepreneurial features on the degree of internalization and export performance among Small and Medium Size Businesses registered in the data system of KOSGEB in Turkey. The research is based a quantitative analysis. Specifically, the study proposes firm characteristics, firm abilities, and entrepreneurial features to have an impact on firms internalization level and export performance. The results indicate that firm size as indicative of firm characteristics have no impact on both the degree of internalization and export performance. However, the technological level and the ability to obtain the support of governmental organizations for export have been found to influence the degree of internalization and export performance. On the other hand, the degree of internationalization and export performance seems to be partially affected by top managers? entrepreneurial features. Accordingly, as the level of entrepreneurial orientation and education level increase, both the degree of internationalization and export performance raise. Implication of results for the research on export performance and internationalization are discussed. Key words: Firm characteristics, entrepreneurial features, internalization, export, and export performance.