The internationalisation of SMES: Manager profile as a vector of export performacne

Abstract

This research aims to analyse the influence of the profile of managers on the export performance of SMEs. Based on data collected from 43 Algerian SME exporters, and through a model of structural equations, we tested the effects of two groups of factors, namely, cognitive and intrinsic characteristics of managers on two types of performance measures (objective and subjective). Our results show the importance of the factors related to personal attributes of manager, as his attitude towards risk related to export activity, his level of commitment to export activities and his know-how.

Key words: SMEs, Performance, Export, Structural Equations, Manager Profile