The Impact of Entrepreneurial Orientation and Networking Capabilities on the Export Performance of Nigerian Agricultural SMEs

Abstract

SME internationalisation is growing apace, signifying the global importance of SMEs to local and global economies. A key form of SME internationalisation is export. This article provides an empirical basis to understand how institutional factors could affect export performance of the Nigerian agricultural sector’s SMEs. We empirically assess the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation, networking capability, institutional environment factors and export performance of 235 Nigerian agricultural firms. The result affirms that there is a strong positive relationship between entrepreneurial orientation, networking capabilities, institutional environment factors and the export performance of agricultural sector SMEs in Nigeria. Our results suggest that the ability of agricultural SMEs to be proactive, innovative, take risks, manages its networking capabilities and institutional environment factors; all having a direct impact on the export performance of Nigerian Agricultural SME’s. Institutional environment factors such as government policies, procedures and regulations can lessen the influence of entrepreneurial orientation and networking capabilities on Nigerian agricultural SMEs’ export performance. Our research offers guidance for future research on the internationalisation of agricultural SMEs, especially in emerging economies.