The effect of the manager gender on SMEs export and import decisions: Evidence for Spain

Alfonso Expósito, Amparo Sanchis-Llopis and Juan A. Sanchis-Llopis
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Alfonso Expósito: (University of Málaga, Spain) ORCID number: 0000-0002-9248-4879
Juan A. Sanchis-Llopis: (University of Valencia and ERICES, Spain) ORCID number: 0000-0001-9664-4668

No 2115, Working Papers from Department of Applied Economics II, Universidad de Valencia

Abstract: Using a sample of 1,405 Spanish businesses, this paper explores the role of manager gender in SMEs’ decisions to get involved in exporting and importing activities. We borrow insights from international entrepreneurship theories and feminist theories to set testable hypotheses regarding how managerial gender and entrepreneurial orientation (proactiveness, risk-taking and innovativeness) may influence SMEs export and import propensities. Using a bivariate probit model and controlling for other managerial and business characteristics, results indicate that there are not significant differences in exporting propensities between male- and female-led businesses. However, female-led SMEs show a lower importing propensity, as compared to male-led counterparts. In addition, the three dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation (proactiveness, risk-taking and innovativeness) are important drivers for participating in overseas markets, and do not depend upon the manager gender. The role of managers gender in SMEs importing activities has not been investigated so far, and this is the main contribution of our research.

Keywords: Manager gender; entrepreneurial orientation; small and medium-enterprises; exporting and importing; bivariate probit model. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C35 F14 J16 M21 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021-12
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ent, nep-eur, nep-int, nep-lab and nep-sbm
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