Women directors and exporting activity: The moderating role of network advice

Abstract

We use data from Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the UK to examine the link between the presence of women directors and exporting activity. To do this, we build on resource-based view (RBV) and resource dependence theory (RDT) and show that SMEs with women on the board of directors are less likely to be involved in exporting activity compared to SMEs without women directors. Nevertheless, this negative relationship may be moderated by seeking network advice, which can be explained through the social network theory (SNT).