The export propensity of small firms: a comparison of organisational and operational management levers in exporting and non-exporting units

The abundant literature on what determines the export propensity and intensity of firms pays limited attention to some organisational and operational management variables, especially where small enterprises are concerned. It could be argued, however, that new effective organisation schemes and advanced operational management practices are required for small enterprises given the complexity of foreign ventures. An empirical investigation was carried out on a sample of small units. Exporters and non-exporters are compared in terms of just-in-time, concurrent engineering and total quality management practices adoption, as well as the management of human resources and inter-organisational relationships.