Internationalization and SMEs: An analysis of manager characteristics [Internacionalización y Pymes: Un análisis de las características gerenciales]

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of the characteristics of the manager in the internationalization of SMEs in Medellin, Colombia. Based on upper echelons theory and the entrepreneurial orientation theory, argued the important role of the manager in the internationalization process given their personal characteristics. Through the development of telephone surveys 72 managers of SMEs in Medellin and using structural equations modeling, we study some attributes of the manager which have positive effects on the performance of internationalization. Permanence, educational level and the international experience of managers turned out to be the most significant variables relevant to the internationalization of SMEs.