The Effect of Export Market Orientation in Small and Medium Food Enterprises (SMFEs) Towards International Performance

Abstract

A significant issue for internationalizing SMEs is the improvement of its international performance. To increase performance, several researchers have proposed that businesses must strengthen their export market orientation (EMO); but the way this connection works is quite unexplored. This research examines whether strategic alliances, by which companies’ access to information and resources play a mediating role in the EMO and international performance relationship. The population of this study is Malaysian food industry SMEs that are involved in the export activities. The food industry SMEs (i.e. SMFEs) was chosen due to the potential of this industry towards economic growth. A conceptual framework is proposed to identify dimensions of EMO, strategic alliance and international performance. The framework will be used to examine how these variables interact in the context of Malaysia. This is important for both theoretical and practical aspects as its exploration will contribute to a deeper understanding of how SMEs especially in the food industry can improve their international performance strategically and effectively.