Strategic export orientation and internationalization barriers: evidence from SMEs in a developing economy

This study examines strategic process and export entry choice of small and medium manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The data was collected from a survey of 72 small and mediumsized manufacturers in Nigeria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, and Pearson’s product moment correlation analysis. Results show that firms’ strategic choice to enter the export market was associated with entrepreneurial orientation. Entrepreneurs with high export orientation were exporters and were more involved in the export market than entrepreneurs with low export orientation. Findings also revealed that the most common barriers hampering export development among the firms surveyed include resource constraints, knowledge barriers, corruption, lack of export assistance, and poor infrastructure.