How do SMEs from different countries perceive export impediments depending on their firm-level characteristics? System approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24136/oc.2022.002Keywords:
SMEs, export barriers, firm size-age-sector, Czech-Slovak-Hungarian SMEs, export riskAbstract
Research background: The differences in the legal structures, tax rates, and cultural-linguistic issues of various countries have always been a significant concern for SMEs in their exporting activities and internationalization processes. However, since firm-level characteristics might provide some advantages or disadvantages in their operations, their perceptions of export impediments might vary across size, age, and sector groups.
Purpose of the article: This paper investigates the perceptions of export impediments by 408 larger-smaller, older-younger, and manufacturing-nonmanufacturing Czech, Slovakian and Hungarian SMEs in a country-based perspective.
Methods: The researchers use the random sampling method to create research samples and employ an internet-mediated questionnaire to collect the research data. The researchers use both Independent Sample T-test and ANOVA analyses to find differences between size, age, and sector groups.
Findings & value added: While the differences exist between the perceptions of Slovakian larger-smaller and manufacturing-nonmanufacturing SMEs regarding cultural differences, the perceptions of legal and tax-related export impediments by SMEs do not differ depending on their age, size, and sector. This paper contributes to the literature by confirming various perceptions of SMEs in different countries and different characteristics regarding export obstacles and providing an entity-specific and international scope that policymakers and SMEs can benefit from. Awareness of the policymakers regarding the results of this paper that includes differences and similarities in SMEs? perceptions of export barriers might make them have close interactions with SMEs to reduce SMEs? concerns regarding their export risks. On the other hand, SMEs that are aware of the results of this paper can be more interested in having a broader network that includes close relationships not only with intermediary firms, but also with governments to overcome the export impediments.
Downloads
References
Ajaz Khan, K., Çera, G., & Nétek, V. (2019). Perception of selected business environment aspects by service firms. Journal of Tourism and Services, 10(19), 111?127. doi: 10.29036/jots.v10i19.115.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29036/jots.v10i19.115
View in Google Scholar
Arteaga?Ortiz, J., & Fernández?Ortiz, R. (2010). Why don't we use the same export barrier measurement scale? An empirical analysis in small and medium?sized enterprises. Journal of Small Business Management, 48(3), 395?420.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-627X.2010.00300.x
View in Google Scholar
Belas, J., Strnad, Z., Gavurova, B., & Čepel, M. (2019). Business environment quality factors research-SME management's platform. Polish Journal of Management Studies, 20(1), 64?77. doi: 10.17512/pjms.2019.20.1.06.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17512/pjms.2019.20.1.06
View in Google Scholar
Belas, J., Amoah, J., Petráková, Z., Kliuchnikava, Y., & Bilan, Y.(2020a). Selected factors of SMEs management in the service sector. Journal of Tourism and Services, 21(11), 129?146. doi: 10.29036/jots.v11i21.215.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29036/jots.v11i21.215
View in Google Scholar
Belas, J., Gavurova, B., Cepel, M., & Kubak, M. (2020b). Evaluation of economic potential of business environment development by comparing sector differences. Oeconomia Copernicana, 11(1), 135?159. doi: 10.24136/ oc.2020.006.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24136/oc.2020.006
View in Google Scholar
Belso-Martínez, J. A. (2006). Why are some Spanish manufacturing firms internationalizing rapidly? The role of business and institutional international networks. Entrepreneurship and Regional Development, 18(3), 207?226. doi: 10.1 080/08985620600565409.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08985620600565409
View in Google Scholar
Berger, A. N., & Udell, G. F. (2006). A more complete conceptual framework for SME finance. Journal of Banking & Finance, 30(11), 2945?2966. doi: 10.1016/j. 6jbankfin.2006.05.008.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbankfin.2006.05.008
View in Google Scholar
Bilan, Y., Gavurova, B., Stanislaw, G., & Tkacova, A. (2017). The composite coincident indicator (CCI) for business cycles. Acta Polytechnica Hungarica, 14(7), 71?90. doi: 10.12700/aph.14.7.2017.7.5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12700/APH.14.7.2017.7.5
View in Google Scholar
Boter, H., & Holmquist, C. (1996). Industry characteristics and internationalization processes in small firms. Journal of Business Venturing, 11, 471?487. doi: 10.1016/S0883-9026(96)89166-X.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0883-9026(96)89166-X
View in Google Scholar
Civelek, M., Gajdka, K., Světlík, J., & Vavrečka, V. (2020). Differences in the usage of online marketing and social media tools: evidence from Czech, Slovakian and Hungarian SMEs. Equilibrium. Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy, 15(3), 537?563. doi: 10.24136/eq.2020.024.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24136/eq.2020.024
View in Google Scholar
Civelek, M., Ključnikov, A., Fialova, V., Folvarčná, A., & Stoch, M. (2021). How innovativeness of family-owned SMEs differ depending on their characteristics? Equilibrium. Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy, 16(2), 413?428. doi: 10.24136/eq.2021 .015.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24136/eq.2021.015
View in Google Scholar
Cruz, M., Baghdadi, L., & Arouri, H. (2021). High growth firms and trade linkages: imports do matter. Small Business Economics. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1007/s11187-021-00538-w.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-021-00538-w
View in Google Scholar
Čabinová, V., Gallo, P., Pártlová, P., Dobrovič, J., & Stoch, M. (2021). Evaluating Business Performance and Efficiency in Medical Tourism. Journal of Tourism and Services, 22(12), 198?221. doi: 10.29036/jots.v12i22.247.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29036/jots.v12i22.247
View in Google Scholar
Durana, P., Ginevicius, R., Urbanski, M., Podhorska, I., & Tumpach, M. (2021). Parallels and differences in earnings management of Visegrad four and the Baltics. Journal of Competitiveness, 13(3), 39?55. doi: 10.7441/joc.2021.03.03.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7441/joc.2021.03.03
View in Google Scholar
Dvorský, J., Petráková, Z., & Polách, J. (2019). Assessing the market, financial, and economic risk sources by Czech and Slovak SMEs. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge, 7(2), 30?40. doi: 10.12345-0008.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37335/ijek.v7i2.91
View in Google Scholar
Dvorský, J., Petráková, Z., & Fialová, V. (2020a). Perception of business risks by entrepreneurs according to experience with business failure. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge, 8(1), 76?88. doi: 10.37335/ijek.v8i1. 104.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37335/ijek.v8i1.104
View in Google Scholar
Dvorský, J., Petráková, Z., Ajaz Khan, K., Formánek, I., & Mikoláš, Z. (2020). Selected aspects of strategic management in service sector. Journal of Tourism and Services, 20(11), 109?123. doi: 10.29036/jots.v11i20.146.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29036/jots.v11i20.146
View in Google Scholar
Dvorsky, J., Belas, J. Jr., Cera, G., & Bilan, S. (2021). Disparities in perception of business risks in connection with the achieved education of the owner/manager and doing business. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge, 9(1), 25?40. doi: 10.37335/ijek.v9i1.123.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37335/ijek.v9i1.123
View in Google Scholar
European Commission (2003). Recommendation of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of SMEs. Retrieved from: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ TXT/?uri=CELEX:32003H0361 (11.09.2021).
View in Google Scholar
Fedorko, I., Bacik, R., & Gavurova, B. (2018). Technology acceptance model in e-commerce segment. Management & Marketing Challenges for the Knowledge Society, 13(4), 1242?1256. doi: 10.2478/mmcks-2018-0034.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/mmcks-2018-0034
View in Google Scholar
Felzensztein, C., Deans, K. R., & Dana, L. P. (2019). Small firms in regional clusters: local networks and internationalization in the Southern Hemisphere. Journal of Small Business Management, 57(2), 496?516. doi: 10.1111/jsbm.12 388.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jsbm.12388
View in Google Scholar
Forte, R., & Salomé Moreira, A. (2018). Financial constraints and small and medium-sized firms? export propensity. International Journal of the Economics of Business, 25(2), 223?241. doi: 10.1080/13571516.2018.1437011.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13571516.2018.1437011
View in Google Scholar
Gashi, P., Hashi, I., & Pugh, G. (2014). Export behaviour of SMEs in transition countries. Small Business Economics, 42, 407?435. doi:10.1007/s11187-013-9487-7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-013-9487-7
View in Google Scholar
Gavurova, B., Janke, F., Packova, M., & Pridavok, M. (2017). Analysis of impact of using the trend Variables on bankruptcy prediction models performance. Ekonomicky casopis, 65(4), 370?383.
View in Google Scholar
Gavurova, B., Ivankova, V., Rigelsky, M., & Privarova, M. (2020). Relations between tourism spending and global competitiveness. Journal of Tourism and Services, 11(21), 38?54. doi: 10.29036/jots.v11i21.175.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29036/jots.v11i21.175
View in Google Scholar
George, D., & Mallery, M. (2010). SPSS for Windows step by step: a simple guide and reference. Boston: Pearson.
View in Google Scholar
Gruenbichler, R., Klucka, J., Haviernikova, K., & Strelcova, S. (2021). Business performance management in small and medium-sized enterprises in the Slovak Republic. Journal of Competitiveness, 13(1), 42?58. doi: 10.7441/joc.2021.01. 03.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7441/joc.2021.01.03
View in Google Scholar
Gubik, S. A., & Bartha, Z. (2014). SME internalisation index (SMINI) based on the sample of the Visegrad countries. In A. S. Gubik & K. Wach (Eds.). International entrepreneurship and corporate growth in Visegrad countries. Mickolc: University of Miskolc, 23?40.
View in Google Scholar
Haddoud, M. Y., Onjewu, A.-K., Jones, P., & Newbery, R. (2018). Investigating the moderating role of export promotion programmes. Critical Perspectives on International Business, 14(2/3), 282?308. doi: 10.1108/cpoib-11-2016-0059.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/cpoib-11-2016-0059
View in Google Scholar
Haddoud, M. Y., Jones, P., & Newbery, R. (2021). Export intention in developing countries: a configuration approach to managerial success factors. Journal of Small Business Management, 59(1), 107?135. doi: 10.1111/jsbm.12470.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jsbm.12470
View in Google Scholar
Ključnikov, A., Civelek, M., Vozňáková, I., & Krajčík, V. (2020a). Can discounts expand local and digital currency awareness of individuals depending on their characteristics? Oeconomia Copernicana, 11(2), 239?266. doi: 10.24136/oc.20 20.010.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24136/oc.2020.010
View in Google Scholar
Ključnikov, A., Civelek, M., Polách, J., Mikoláš, Z., & Banot, M. (2020b). How do security and benefits instill trustworthiness of a digital local currency? Oeconomia Copernicana, 11(3), 433?465. doi: 10.24136/oc.2020.018.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24136/oc.2020.018
View in Google Scholar
Ključnikov, A., Civelek, M., Fialova, V., & Folvarčná, A. (2021). Organizational, local, and global innovativeness of family-owned SMEs depending on firm-individual level characteristics: evidence from the Czech Republic. Equilibrium. Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy, 16(1), 169?184. doi: 10.24136/eq.2021.006.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24136/eq.2021.006
View in Google Scholar
Kocisova, K., Gavurova, B., & Behun, M. (2018). The evaluation of stability of Czech and Slovak banks. Oeconomia Copernicana, 9(2), 205?223. doi: 10.24 136/oc.2018.011.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24136/10.24136/oc.2018.011
View in Google Scholar
Leonidou, L. C. (2004). An analysis of the barriers hindering small business export development. Journal of Small Business Management, 42(3), 279?302. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-627X.2004.00112.x.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-627X.2004.00112.x
View in Google Scholar
Lejárraga, I., & Oberhofer, H. (2015). Performance of small-and medium-sized enterprises in services trade: evidence from French firms. Small Business Economics, 45(3), 673?702. doi: 10.1007/s11187-015-9647-z.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-015-9647-z
View in Google Scholar
Lopez, N. V. (2013). Barriers to export: the power of organisational factors. International. Journal of Commerce and Management, 23(2), 136?147. doi: 10.1108 /10569211311324920.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/10569211311324920
View in Google Scholar
Love, J. H., Roper, S., & Zhou, Y. (2016). Experience, age and exporting performance in UK SMEs. International Business Review, 25(4), 806?819. doi: 10.10 16/j.ibusrev.2015.10.001.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2015.10.001
View in Google Scholar
Lotti, F., Santarelli, E., & Vivarelli, M. (2009). Defending Gibrat?s law as a long?run regularity. Small Business Economics, 32, 31?44. doi: 10.1007/s11187-007-9071-0.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-007-9071-0
View in Google Scholar
Manova, K. (2013). Credit constraints, heterogeneous firms and international trade. Review of Economic Studies, 80(2), 711?744. doi: 10.1093/restud/rds036.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/restud/rds036
View in Google Scholar
Mariotti, S., & Piscitello, L. (2001). Localized capabilities and the internationalization of manufacturing activities by SMEs. Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, 13(1), 65?80. doi: 10.1080/089856201750046810.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/089856201750046810
View in Google Scholar
Mittelstaedt, J. D., Harben, G. N., & Ward, W. A. (2003). How small is too small? Firm size as a barrier to exporting from the United States. Journal of Small Business Management, 41(1), 68?84.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1540-627X.00067
View in Google Scholar
Narayanan, V. (2015). Export barriers for small and medium-sized enterprises: a literature review based on Leonidou's model. Entrepreneurial Business and Economics Review, 3(2), 105?123. doi:10.15678/EBER.2015.030208.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15678/EBER.2015.030208
View in Google Scholar
Nunes, P.M., Gonçalves, M., & Serrasqueiro, Z. (2013). The influence of age on SMEs? growth determinants: empirical evidence. Small Business Economics, 40, 249?272. doi: 10.1007/s11187-011-9363-2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-011-9363-2
View in Google Scholar
Peng, M. (2009). Global business. Mason: South-Western Cengage Learning.
View in Google Scholar
Pietrovito, F., & Pozzolo, A. F (2021). Credit constraints and exports of SMEs in emerging and developing countries. Small Business Economics, 56, 311?332. doi: 10.1007/s11187-019-00225-x.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-019-00225-x
View in Google Scholar
Radojević, P. D., Marjanović, D., & Radovanov, T. (2014). The impact of firms' characteristics on export barriers' perception. Prague Economic Papers, 23(4), 426?445.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18267/j.pep.492
View in Google Scholar
Raymond, L., St-Pierre, J., Uwizeyemungu, S., & Le Dinh, T. (2014). Internationalization capabilities of SMEs. Journal of International Entrepreneurship, 12(3), 230?253. doi: 10.1007/s10843-014-0123-7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10843-014-0123-7
View in Google Scholar
Reková, E. (2016). The born globals phenomenon in Czech Republic. In 9th international scientific conference ?Business and Management (12-13). Vilnius: Vilnius Tech, 1?8. doi: 10.3846/bm.2016.43.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/bm.2016.43
View in Google Scholar
Revindo, M. D., Gan, C., & Massie, N. W. G. (2019). Factors affecting propensity to export. Gadjah Mada International Journal of Business, 21(3), 263?288.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22146/gamaijb.41022
View in Google Scholar
Ruzekova, V., Kittova, Z., & Steinhauser, D. (2020). Export performance as a measurement of competitiveness. Journal of Competitiveness, 12(1), 145?160. doi: 10.7441/joc.2020.01.09.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7441/joc.2020.01.09
View in Google Scholar
Santhosh, C. (2020). What affects the export entrepreneurship of SMEs? Review of International Business and Strategy, 30(2), 265?278. doi: 10.1108/RIBS-06-2019-0086.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/RIBS-06-2019-0086
View in Google Scholar
Silva, J. R., Franco, M., & Magrinho, A. (2016). Empirical investigation of the effects of industry type and firm size on export barriers. Journal of Business Economics and Management, 17(6), 1052?1065. doi: 10.3846/16111699.2016. 1143874.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/16111699.2016.1143874
View in Google Scholar
Sinicakova, M., & Gavurova, B. (2017). Single monetary policy versus macroeconomic fundamentals in Slovakia. Ekonomicky casopis, 65(2), 158?172.
View in Google Scholar
Srinivasan, T. N., & V. Archana (2011). Determinants of export decision of firms. Economic and Political Weekly, 46(7), 49?58.
View in Google Scholar
Sudarevic, T., Radojevic, P., Marjanovic, D., & Dragas, R. (2017). Marketing and financial barriers in agri-food exporting. British Food Journal, 119(3), 613?624. doi: 10.1108/BFJ-05-2016-0183.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-05-2016-0183
View in Google Scholar
Virglerova, Z., Kliestik, T., Rowland, Z., & Rozsa, Z. (2020a). Barriers to internationalization of SMEs in visegrad countries. Transformations in Business & Economics, 19(3), 58?73.
View in Google Scholar
Virglerova, Z., Conte, F., Amoah, J., & Massaro, M. R. (2020b). The perception of legal risk and its impact on business of SMEs. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge, 8(2), 1?13. doi: 10.37335/ijek.v8i2.115.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37335/ijek.v8i2.115
View in Google Scholar
Wagner, J. (1995). Exports, firm size, and firm dynamics. Small Business Economics, 7(1), 29?39.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01074314
View in Google Scholar
Westhead, P., Wright, M., & Ucbasaran, D. (2001). The internationalization of new and small firms: a resource-based view. Journal of Business Venturing, 16(4), 333?358. doi: 10.1016/S0883-9026(99)00063-4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0883-9026(99)00063-4
View in Google Scholar
