The Motivational Drivers of Nascent SME Internationalization
Abstract
Internationalization of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) may contribute greatly to the welfare of a country. Yet, it is unclear why some SMEs (successfully) internationalize whereas others stay domestic, and why some (potential) entrepreneurs opt for (future) internationalization, while others do not. In this project, we aim to better understand which motivational drivers explain whether a (potential) entrepreneur aspires internationalization, and whether (s)he is able to actually reach these goals. Does, for example, an entrepreneur who wants to have impact on others (typically for those scoring low on the power motive) have higher internationalization aspirations? Do underlying personal values play a crucial role in internationalization intentions? Besides the impact of personality aspects, we also attribute attention to environmental characteristics, such as the inducive environment a (potential) entrepreneur is surrounded by. All in all, with this research, we contribute to both the pre-internationalization as well as the actual internationalization phases, and pay specific attention to personal and supporting environmental factors (such as, e.g., university contexts).
Funding
DOCPRO-BOF project, October 15, 2019 – October 14, 2023
Researchers
- Prof. dr. Hendrik Slabbinck (promotor, UGhent)
- Prof. dr. Johanna Vanderstraeten (promoter)
- Tùng Thanh Phan