Managerial Attention and Export Performance: A Comparison between mMNEs and Pure SME Exporters

Abstract

Drawing on the attention-based view and literature on small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) internationalization, we explore the value of international attention (i.e., managerial time and effort devoted to understanding the international marketplace) for SME export performance. We further argue that SMEs are heterogeneous in terms of situated contexts and organizational structures, and for that matter, differ in performance gains achieved through their managers’ international attention. A distinction is therefore made between pure exporters and so-called “micromultinationals (mMNEs)” that engage in more committed international activities besides exporting. Based on a survey of Dutch SMEs, our findings indicate a positive association between managers’ international attention and firms’ export performance. This relationship is stronger for mMNEs than for pure SME exporters, pointing to the implication that managers’ international attention should be commensurate with firm specifics in order to add values.