This study aimed to unravel the role of networking competence (NC) in the nexus of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and export performance in family-owned SMEs in Jordan. More precisely, it sought to demonstrate the direct effects of EO dimensions on export performance, to analyze the impact of EO on NC, to establish the effect of NC on export performance, and lastly to investigate the mediator effect of NC in the link between EO and export performance.
This study used a quantitative cross-sectional survey research design. The population consisted of all family-owned SMEs in Jordan. A stratified random sampling method was adopted to include all the various subsectors in family-owned SMEs in Jordan. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was adopted for data analysis, and the SmartPLS tool was employed for this purpose.
All elements of EO (innovativeness, risk-taking, proactivity and competitive assertiveness) show a favorable link with export performance in family-owned SMEs. Furthermore, the study revealed that although the NC, innovativeness, risk-taking and proactivity have a positive correlation, their actual exercise dictates how networking is created and used. Conversely, competitive aggression was shown not to significantly affect NC.
This study is the first effort to close the knowledge gap in the literature by actual data on the EO-export performance link in the family-owned SME context. The study also tests the mediating role of networking capabilities, broadening the current knowledge of the link between EO and export performance.
