CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK ON MARKET ORIENTATION AND PERFORMANCE OF SMEs: ALLIANCES AS MEDIATING

Maluwis Maratis; Jaratin Lily; Tze Cheng Chew; Rini Suryati Sulong

doi:10.51200/mjbe.v9i1.4544

Authors

Maluwis Maratis
Jaratin Lily
Tze Cheng Chew
Rini Suryati Sulong

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51200/mjbe.v9i1.4544

Keywords:

international performance, market orientation, alliances, SMEs, mediating

Abstract

Firm capabilities become important to SMEs' performance in expanding to foreign markets. Many countries focus on helping these SMEs because of the rapid internalization of competitors. This paper aims to propose a conceptual framework by identifying the determining factor that affects the international performance of Malaysian SMEs. Two capabilities that have determined the international performance of SMEs are market orientation and alliances. This framework was developed based on an extensive literature review. According to the proposed framework, alliances mediate the relationship between market orientation and international performance. Few studies have attempted to investigate the market orientation on international performance with mediating effect of alliances on international performance, especially in developing countries. This paper suggests that future researchers need to pay extra attention to the international performance of SMEs in emerging markets, including Malaysia.

Author Biographies

Maluwis Maratis

Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy,
Jalan UMS, Universiti Malaysia Sabah,
88400 Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

Jaratin Lily

Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy,
Jalan UMS, Universiti Malaysia Sabah,
88400 Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Tze Cheng Chew

Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy,
Jalan UMS, Universiti Malaysia Sabah,
88400 Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Rini Suryati Sulong

Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy,
Jalan UMS, Universiti Malaysia Sabah,
88400 Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

References

Ahmad, Z. et al. (2021a). How collaboration impacts the market orientation-performance relationship of SMEs? A perspective from the Belt and road initiative. Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing, 36(5), 796–806. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-12-2019-0518.

Ahmad, Z. et al. (2021b). How collaboration impacts the market orientation-performance relationship of SMEs? A perspective from the Belt and Road initiative. Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing, 36(5), 796–806. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-12-2019-0518.

Ahmad, Z. et al. (2021c). How collaboration impacts the market orientation-performance relationship of SMEs? A perspective from the Belt and Road initiative. Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing, 36(5), 796–806. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-12-2019-0518.

Ahmad, Z. et al. (2021d). How collaboration impacts the market orientation-performance relationship of SMEs? A perspective from the Belt and Road initiative. Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing, 36(5), pp. 796–806. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-12-2019-0518.

Ahmad, Z. et al. (2021e). How collaboration impacts the market orientation-performance relationship of SMEs? A perspective from the Belt and Road initiative. Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing, 36(5), 796–806. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-12-2019-0518.

Ahmad, Z. et al. (2021f). How collaboration impacts the market orientation-performance relationship of SMEs? A perspective from the Belt and Road initiative. Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing, 36(5), 796–806. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-12-2019-0518.

Alashwal, A.M., Low, W.W., & Kamis, N.A.M. (2019). Effect of Inter-organizational Learning on Construction SMEs Performance. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 495(1). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/495/1/012043.

Aljuboori, Z.M. et al. (2021). Intellectual Capital and Firm Performance Correlation: The Mediation Role of Innovation Capability in Malaysian Manufacturing SMEs Perspective. Sustainability, 14(1). Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010154.

Amoah, Y.S.A., Tiew, F.N.H., & Yap, C.S. (2021). Internationalisation strategies of emerging market firms: Evidence from Sarawak, Malaysia. Review of International Business and Strategy [Preprint]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/RIBS-07-2021-0099.

Bai, W. et al. (2021a). The role of business and social networks in the effectual internationalization: Insights from emerging market SMEs. Journal of Business Research, 129, 96–109. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.02.042.

Bai, W. et al. (2021b). The role of business and social networks in the effectual internationalization: Insights from emerging market SMEs. Journal of Business Research, 129, 96–109. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.02.042.

Barney, J. (1991a). Firm Resources and Sustained Competitive Advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99–120.

Barney, J. (1991b). Firm Resources and Sustained Competitive Advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99–120.

Barney, J. (1991c). Firm Resources and Sustained Competitive Advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99–120.

Barney, J. (1991d). Firm Resources and Sustained Competitive Advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99–120.

Barney, J. (1991e). Firm Resources and Sustained Competitive Advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99–120.

Barney, J. (1991f). Firm Resources and Sustained Competitive Advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99–120.

Barney, J. (1991g). Firm Resources and Sustained Competitive Advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99–120.

Barney, J.A.Y.B. (2001). Is the Resource-Based "View" a Useful Perspective for Strategic Management Research? Yes. Academy of Management Review, 26(1), 41–56.

Basah, N.H. et al. (2020). Cultural similarity effect on the relationship quality between exporters and intermediaries and export performance of SMES. International Journal of Business and Society, 21(1), 399–418.

Chandra, A.A., Paul, J., & Chavan, M. (2020a). Internationalization challenges for SMEs: Evidence and theoretical extension. European Business Review, 33(2), 316–344. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/EBR-08-2019-0164.

Chandra, A.A., Paul, J., & Chavan, M. (2020b). Internationalization challenges for SMEs: Evidence and theoretical extension. European Business Review, 33(2), 316–344. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/EBR-08-2019-0164.

Day, G.S. (1994a). The Capabilities of Market-Driven. Journal of Marketing, 58(4), 37–52.

Day, G.S. (1994b). The Capabilities of Market-Driven. Journal of Marketing, 58(4), 37–52.

DOSM. (2020). Department of Statistics Malaysia. Available at: https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=159&bul_id=VjM1enZ2RmlVRDVTNFAwRWZiZUs3QT09&menu_id=TE5CRUZCblh4ZTZMODZIbmk2aWRRQT09# (Accessed: 9 March 2021).

DOSM. (2021a). Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Performance. Department of Statistics Malaysia. Available at: https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/pdfPrev&id=KzdrS25pRTZ1VGFkcTlNY0FEczBYUT09 (Accessed: 14 November 2022).

DOSM. (2021b). Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Performance. Department of Statistics Malaysia. Available at: https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=159&bul_id=aFRNc2Zid295Tm1yczN5dWJNS1NwQT09&menu_id=TE5CRUZCblh4ZTZMODZIbmk2aWRRQT09 (Accessed: 5 January 2022).

DOSM. (2021c). Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Performance. Department of Statistics Malaysia. Available at: https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=159&bul_id=aFRNc2Zid295Tm1yczN5dWJNS1NwQT09&menu_id=TE5CRUZCblh4ZTZMODZIbmk2aWRRQT09 (Accessed: 5 January 2022).

DOSM. (2021d). Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Performance. Department of Statistics Malaysia. Available at: https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=159&bul_id=aFRNc2Zid295Tm1yczN5dWJNS1NwQT09&menu_id=TE5CRUZCblh4ZTZMODZIbmk2aWRRQT09 (Accessed: 5 January 2022).

DOSM. (2021e). Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Performance. Department of Statistics Malaysia. Available at: https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=159&bul_id=aFRNc2Zid295Tm1yczN5dWJNS1NwQT09&menu_id=TE5CRUZCblh4ZTZMODZIbmk2aWRRQT09 (Accessed: 5 January 2022).

DOSM. (2021f). Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Performance. Department of Statistics Malaysia. Available at: https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=159&bul_id=aFRNc2Zid295Tm1yczN5dWJNS1NwQT09&menu_id=TE5CRUZCblh4ZTZMODZIbmk2aWRRQT09 (Accessed: 5 January 2022).

DOSM. (2021g). Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Performance, Department of Statistics Malaysia. Available at: https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=159&bul_id=aFRNc2Zid295Tm1yczN5dWJNS1NwQT09&menu_id=TE5CRUZCblh4ZTZMODZIbmk2aWRRQT09 (Accessed: 5 January 2022).

Eisenhardt, K.M., & Schoonhoven, C.B. (1996). Resources-based view of Strategic Alliance formation Strategic and Social Effects in Entrepreneurial Firms. Organization Science, 7(2), 136–150.

Ekeledo, I., & Sivakumar, K. (2004). International market entry mode strategies of manufacturing firms and service firms: A resource-based perspective. International Marketing Review. https://doi.org/10.1108/02651330410522943

Falahat, M., & Lee, Y.Y., et al. (2020a). Modelling the effects of institutional support and international knowledge on competitive capabilities and international performance: Evidence from an emerging economy. Journal of International Management, 26(4), 100779. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intman.2020.100779.

Falahat, M., & Ramayah, T., et al. (2020b). SMEs internationalization: The role of product innovation, market intelligence, pricing, and marketing communication capabilities as drivers of SMEs’ international performance. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 152 (November 2019), p. 119908. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2020.119908.

Fernandes, C.I.M.A.S., et al. (2020a). The impact of market orientation on the internationalization of SMEs. Review of International Business and Strategy, 30(1), 123–143. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/RIBS-09-2019-0120.

Fernandes, C.I.M.A.S., et al. (2020b). The impact of market orientation on the internationalization of SMEs. Review of International Business and Strategy, 30(1), 123–143. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/RIBS-09-2019-0120.

Fernandes, C.I.M.A.S., et al. (2020c). The impact of market orientation on the internationalization of SMEs. Review of International Business and Strategy, 30(1), 123–143. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/RIBS-09-2019-0120.

Gerschewski, S. et al. (2020). Trade Shows and SME Internationalisation: Networking for Performance. Management International Review, 60(4), 573–595. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11575-020-00421-y.

Gherghina, S.C. et al. (2020). Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): The engine of economic growth through investments and innovation. Sustainability, 12(1). Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/SU12010347.

Gnizy, I. (2019). The role of inter-firm dispersion of international marketing capabilities in marketing strategy and business outcomes. Journal of Business Research, 105, 214–226. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.08.015.

Gomez, E.T., Cheong, K.C., & Wong, C.Y. (2021). Regime changes, state-business ties and remaining in the middle-income trap: The case of Malaysia. Journal of Contemporary Asia, 51(5), 782–802. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/00472336.2021.1933138.

Grant, R.M. (1997a). The knowledge-based view of the firm: Implications for management practice. Long Range Planning, 30(3), 450–454. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0024-6301(97)00025-3.

Grant, R.M. (1997b). The knowledge-based view of the firm: Implications for management practice. Long Range Planning, 30(3), 450–454. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0024-6301(97)00025-3.

Grant, R.M. (1997c). The knowledge-based view of the firm: Implications for management practice. Long Range Planning, 30(3), 450–454. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0024-6301(97)00025-3.

Grant, R.M., & Baden-Fuller, C. (2004). A knowledge accessing theory of strategic alliances. Journal of Management Studies, 41(1), 61–84. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6486.2004.00421.x.

Guimarães, L.G. de A., Blanchet, P., & Cimon, Y. (2021a). Collaboration among small and medium-sized enterprises as part of internationalization: A systematic review. Administrative Sciences, 11(4). Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci11040153.

Guimarães, L.G. de A., Blanchet, P., & Cimon, Y. (2021b). Collaboration among small and medium-sized enterprises as part of internationalization: A systematic review. Administrative Sciences, 11(4). Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci11040153.

Hanifah, H. et al. (2019a). Emanating the key factors of innovation performance: Leveraging on the innovation culture among SMEs in Malaysia. Journal of Business Studies, 13(4), 559–587. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/JABS-04-2018-0130

Hanifah, H. et al. (2019b). Emanating the key factors of innovation performance: Leveraging on the innovation culture among SMEs in Malaysia. Journal of Business Studies, 13(4), 559–587. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/JABS-04-2018-0130.

Her, Y.L., Ahmad, S. bin & Hee, H.C. (2020). Organisational capability on ICT support and some performances in Malaysia. Utopia y Praxis Latinoamericana, 25(Extra10), 271–282. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4155593.

Hizarci Payne, A.K., & Katrinli, A. (2021a). Micro-foundations of firm capabilities in the context of international business: Exploring the role of export department employees. Management Research Review, 44(1), 59–93. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/MRR-12-2019-0548.

Hizarci Payne, A.K., & Katrinli, A. (2021b). Micro-foundations of firm capabilities in the context of international business: Exploring the role of export department employees. Management Research Review, 44(1), 59–93. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/MRR-12-2019-0548.

Hizarci Payne, A.K., & Katrinli, A. (2021c). Micro-foundations of firm capabilities in the context of international business: Exploring the role of export department employees. Management Research Review, 44(1), 59–93. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/MRR-12-2019-0548.

Jancenelle, V., Storrud-Barnes, S.F., & Buccieri, D. (2021a). Market orientation and firm performance: Can there be too much of a good thing? Management Decision, 0025–1747. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-01-2021-0004.

Jancenelle, V., Storrud-Barnes, S.F., & Buccieri, D. (2021b). Market orientation and firm performance: Can there be too much of a good thing? Management Decision, 0025–1747. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-01-2021-0004

Jean, R.J. “Bryan” & Tan, D. (2019). The Effect of Institutional Capabilities on E-Business Firms’ International Performance. Management International Review, 59(4), 593–616. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11575-019-00389-4

Kafetzopoulos, D. (2020a). Performance management of SMEs: A systematic literature review for antecedents and moderators. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 71(1), 289–315. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-07-2020-0349.

Kafetzopoulos, D. (2020b). Performance management of SMEs: A systematic literature review for antecedents and moderators. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 71(1), 289–315. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-07-2020-0349.

Kafetzopoulos, D. (2020c). Performance management of SMEs: A systematic literature review for antecedents and moderators. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 71(1), 289–315. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-07-2020-0349.

Karami, M. et al. (2022a). Effectual control and small firms’ international performance: The mediating role of partnership and gaining new knowledge. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research, 28(4), 829–852. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-02-2021-0097.

Karami, M. et al. (2022b). Effectual control and small firms’ international performance: The mediating role of partnership and gaining new knowledge. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research, 28(4), 829–852. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-02-2021-0097.

Kim, H. (2021). Internationalization of emerging market multinationals: A review of the literature published with open access at internationalization of emerging market multinationals: A review of the literature. Quest Journals Journal of Research in Business and Management, 9(1), 2347–3002. Available at: www.questjournals.org.

Kogut, B., & Zander, U. (1992). Knowledge of the firm. Combinative capabilities, and the replication of technology. Organization Science, 3(3), 17–36. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.3.3.383.

Kohli, A.K., & Jaworski, B.J. (1990a). Market orientation: The construct, research propositions, and managerial implications. Journal of Marketing, 54(2), 1–18. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4135/9781452231426.n2.

Kuriakose, Smita & Tiew, H. (2022a). Malaysian SME Program Efficiency Review. Washington, DC. Available at: https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/37137.

Kuriakose, Smita & Tiew, H. (2022b). Malaysian SME Program Efficiency Review. Washington, DC. Available at: https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/37137.

Li, N., & Murphy, W.H. (2021). Making better foreign friendships: The effects of increased cultural diversity in alliance portfolios and portfolio configuration decisions on firm performance. Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing, 37(1), 65–77. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-08-2020-0396.

Lobo, C.A. et al. (2022a).The determinants of international performance for family firms: Understanding the effects of resources, capabilities, and market orientation. Entrepreneurship Research Journal [Preprint]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1515/erj-2021-0334.

Lobo, C.A. et al. (2022b). The determinants of international performance for family firms: Understanding the effects of resources, capabilities, and market orientation. Entrepreneurship Research Journal [Preprint]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1515/erj-2021-0334.

Mamédio, D. et al. (2019). Strategic alliances and dynamic capabilities: A systematic review. Journal of Strategy and Management, 12(1), 83–102. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/JSMA-08-2018-0089.

Martín Martín, O., Chetty, S., & Bai, W. (2022). Foreign market entry knowledge and international performance: The mediating role of international market selection and network capability. Journal of World Business, 57(2), 101266. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwb.2021.101266.

Mata, M.N. et al. (2021). Impact of institutional support on export performance. Economies, 9(3). Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/economies9030101.

Morgan, N.A., Vorhies, D.W., & Mason, C.H. (2009). Market orientation, marketing capabilities, and firm performance. Strategic Management Journal, 30(8), 909–920. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.

Mustapa, A.N., & Mohamad, A. (2021). Malaysian Government Business Support and Assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises: A Case of COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis”, Sergi, B.S., & Jaaffar, A.R. (Ed.), In Modeling Economic Growth in Contemporary Malaysia (Entrepreneurship and Global Economic Growth). Bingley: Emerald Publishing Limited, 291–305. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80043-806-420211022.

Nakos, G., Dimitratos, P., & Elbanna, S. (2019a). The mediating role of alliances in the international market orientation-performance relationship of SMEs. International Business Review, 28(3), 603–612. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2018.12.005.

Nakos, G., Dimitratos, P., & Elbanna, S. (2019b). The mediating role of alliances in the international market orientation-performance relationship of SMEs. International Business Review, 28(3), pp. 603–612. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2018.12.005.

Nakos, G., Dimitratos, P., & Elbanna, S. (2019c). The mediating role of alliances in the international market orientation-performance relationship of SMEs. International Business Review, 28(3), 603–612. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2018.12.005.

Nakos, G., Dimitratos, P., & Elbanna, S. (2019d). The mediating role of alliances in the international market orientation-performance relationship of SMEs. International Business Review, 28(3), 603–612. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2018.12.005.

Nakos, G., Dimitratos, P., & Elbanna, S. (2019e). The mediating role of alliances in the international market orientation-performance relationship of SMEs. International Business Review, 28(3), 603–612. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2018.12.005.

Nakos, G., Dimitratos, P., & Elbanna, S. (2019f). The mediating role of alliances in the international market orientation-performance relationship of SMEs. International Business Review, 28(3), 603–612. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2018.12.005.

Nakos, G., Dimitratos, P., & Elbanna, S. (2019g). The mediating role of alliances in the international market orientation-performance relationship of SMEs. International Business Review, 28(3), 603–612. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2018.12.005.

Nakos, G., Dimitratos, P., & Elbanna, S. (2019h). The mediating role of alliances in the international market orientation-performance relationship of SMEs. International Business Review, 28(3), 603–612. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2018.12.005.

Nakos, G., Dimitratos, P., & Elbanna, S. (2019i). The mediating role of alliances in the international market orientation-performance relationship of SMEs. International Business Review, 28(3), 603–612. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2018.12.005.

Nakos, G., Dimitratos, P., & Elbanna, S. (2019j). The mediating role of alliances in the international market orientation-performance relationship of SMEs. International Business Review, 28(3), 603–612. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2018.12.005.

Nakos, G., Dimitratos, P., & Elbanna, S. (2019k). The mediating role of alliances in the international market orientation-performance relationship of SMEs. International Business Review, 28(3), 603–612. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2018.12.005.

Nakos, G., Dimitratos, P., & Elbanna, S. (2019l). The mediating role of alliances in the international market orientation-performance relationship of SMEs. International Business Review, 28(3), 603–612. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2018.12.005.

Narver, J.C., & Slater, S.F. (1990). The effect of a market orientation on business profitability. Journal of Marketing, 54(4), 20–35.

O’Dwyer, M., & Gilmore, A. (2018). Value and alliance capability and the formation of strategic alliances in SMEs: The impact of customer orientation and resource optimisation. Journal of Business Research, 87, 58–68. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.02.020.

Ooi, S.M., & Richardson, C. (2019). The internationalization of service-sector SMEs in an emerging market: Insights from business training and consultancy firms in Malaysia. Review of International Business and Strategy, 29(1), 44–60. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/RIBS-02-2018-0023.

Poon, W.C., Mohamad, O., & Yusoff, W.F.W. (2020). Examining the antecedents of ambidextrous behaviours in promoting creativity among SMEs in Malaysia. Global Business Review, 21(3), 645–662. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/0972150918779267.

Reimann, C.K., Carvalho, F.M.P. de O., & Duarte, M.P. (2022a). Adaptive marketing capabilities, market orientation, and international performance: The moderation effect of competitive intensity. Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing [Preprint], (January). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-08-2021-0391.

Reimann, C.K., Carvalho, F.M.P. de O., & Duarte, M.P. (2022b). Adaptive marketing capabilities, market orientation, and international performance: The moderation effect of competitive intensity. Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing [Preprint], (January). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-08-2021-0391.

Reimann, C.K., Carvalho, F.M.P. de O., & Duarte, M.P. (2022c). Adaptive marketing capabilities, market orientation, and international performance: The moderation effect of competitive intensity. Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing [Preprint], (January). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-08-2021-0391.

Reimann, C.K., Carvalho, F.M.P. de O., & Duarte, M.P. (2022d). Adaptive marketing capabilities, market orientation, and international performance: The moderation effect of competitive intensity. Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing [Preprint], (January). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-08-2021-0391.

Robert, Grant. (1996). Toward a knowledge-based theory of the firm. Strategic Management Journal, 17(Special Issue), 109–122. Available at: http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?RQT=562&MRR=R&TS=1297501326&clientId=27625%5Cnhttp://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=11194159&Fmt=7&clientId=27625&RQT=309&VName=PQD.

Rossmannek, O., & Rank, O. (2019). Internationalization of exploitation alliance portfolios and firm performance. Management Decision, 57(1), 86–99. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-11-2017-1105.

Ruan, M., Baskaran, A., & Zhou, S. (2022). Mainland Chinese Immigrant-owned SMEs in Malaysia: Case Studies. Millennial Asia, 13(1), 5–34. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/0976399620977026.

Ryu, D., Baek, K.H., & Yoon, J. (2021). Open innovation with relational capital, technological innovation capital, and international performance in SMEs. Sustainability, 13(6), 1–13. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063418.

SME Masterplan. (2020). SME Corporation Malaysia. Available at: https://www.smecorp.gov.my/index.php/en/about/2015-12-21-08-49-11/about-sme-corp-malaysia.

SMEs Annual Report. (2020a). SMEs Corporation Malaysia. Available at: https://www.smecorp.gov.my/index.php/en/resources/2015-12-21-11-07-06/sme-annual-report.

SMEs Annual Report. (2020b). SMEs Corporation Malaysia. Available at: https://www.smecorp.gov.my/index.php/en/resources/2015-12-21-11-07-06/sme-annual-report.

SMEs Annual Report. (2020c). SMEs Corporation Malaysia. Available at: https://www.smecorp.gov.my/index.php/en/resources/2015-12-21-11-07-06/sme-annual-report.

SMEs Annual Report. (2020d). SMEs Corporation Malaysia. Available at: https://www.smecorp.gov.my/index.php/en/resources/2015-12-21-11-07-06/sme-annual-report.

Tang, C., Tang, Y., & Su, S. (2019). R&D internationalization, product diversification and international performance for emerging market enterprises: An empirical study on Chinese enterprises. European Management Journal, 37(4), 529–539. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emj.2018.11.003.

The Twelfth Malaysia Plan. (2021). Economic Planning Unit, Prime Minister’s Department. Available at: https://rmke12.epu.gov.my/en.

Tolstoy, D., Nordman, E.R., & Vu, U. (2022). The indirect effect of online marketing capabilities on the international performance of e-commerce SMEs. International Business Review, 31(3), 101946. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2021.101946.

Tyll, L., Srivastava, M., & Hromádka, M. (2020). Strategic alliances between Czech SMEs and its effects on firm’s competitiveness. Journal of East European Management Studies, 25(2), 246–263. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5771/0949-6181-2020-2-246.

Ulubaşoǧlu, M.A., Akdiş, M., & Kök, B.S. (2009). Internationalization and alliance formation: Evidence from Turkish SMEs. International Small Business Journal, 27(3), 337–361. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/0266242608094029.

Wasiuzzaman, S. et al. (2020). Creditworthiness and access to finance: A study of SMEs in the Malaysian manufacturing industry. Management Research Review, 43(3), 293–310. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/MRR-05-2019-0221.

Wei, Y. et al. (2014). Expanding to outward foreign direct investment or not? A multi-dimensional analysis of entry mode transformation of Chinese private exporting firms. International Business Review, 23(2), 356–370. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2013.06.001.

Wernerfelt, B. (1984). The resource-based view of the firm. Strategic Management Journal, 5(2), 171–180. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/1056492611436225.

World Bank. (2020). World Bank Group. Available at: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NV.IND.MANF.ZS?locations=MY.

Yang, W., & Meyer, K.E. (2019). Alliance proactiveness and firm performance in an emerging economy. Industrial Marketing Management, 82(October 2018), 226–237. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2019.01.010.

Zahoor, N. et al. (2020a). Collaboration and internationalization of SMEs: Insights and recommendations from a systematic review. International Journal of Management Reviews, 22(4), 427–456. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12238.

Zahoor, N. et al. (2020b). Collaboration and internationalization of SMEs: Insights and recommendations from a systematic review. International Journal of Management Reviews, 22(4), 427–456. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12238.

Zahoor, N. et al. (2020c). Collaboration and internationalization of SMEs: Insights and recommendations from a systematic review. International Journal of Management Reviews, 22(4), 427–456. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12238.

Zahoor, N. et al. (2020d). Collaboration and internationalization of SMEs: Insights and recommendations from a systematic review. International Journal of Management Reviews, 22(4), 427–456. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12238.

Zahoor, N. et al. (2020e). Collaboration and internationalization of SMEs: Insights and recommendations from a systematic review. International Journal of Management Reviews, 22(4), 427–456. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12238.

Zahoor, N., & Lew, Y.K. (2021). Sustaining superior international performance: Strategic orientations and dynamic capability of environmentally concerned small- and medium-sized enterprises. Business Strategy and the Environment, 31(3), 1002–1017. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.2931.

Zaki, A.M., El-Gohary, H., & Edwards, D. (2021). Understanding ethical and other SMEs internationalization determinants and its impact on business performance: A primary attempt to understand Malaysian SMEs internationalization. International Journal of Customer Relationship Marketing and Management, 12(1), 1–27. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4018/IJCRMM.2021010101.

Zhou, K.Z. et al. (2008). Market Orientation, Job Satisfaction, Product Quality, and Firm Performance: Evidence from China. Strategic Management Journal, 29(9), 985–1000. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.