Top Management International Orientation and Small Business Exporting Performance: The Moderating Roles of Export Market & Industry Factors

This study examined the relationship between top management team international orientation and small business export performance. Results generally supported the hypotheses that market and industry factors moderate this relationship. Employing a sample of U.S. small business exporters, the study found that top management team international orientation had a greater positive relationship with export performance for firms exporting to countries culturally different and geographically distant from their home country than those exporting to countries culturally similar and geographically proximate to their home countries. In addition, international orientation had a greater positive relationship with export performance for firms competing in multidomestic industries than those competing in global industries

Top Management Team Heterogeneity and SME Export Performance: Investigating the Role of Environmental Uncertainty

Research has generally found that firms competing in high uncertainty environments gain advantages from having diverse (heterogeneous) management teams (TMTs). Employing a national survey of 70 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the present study examined whether TM T heterogeneity in functional background, international work experience, and foreign language proficiency had a stronger relationship with export performance for firms competing in high than those competing in low uncertainty environments. Results were generally weak when market and industry factors contributing to uncertainty were examined separately; however, additional analysis showed that the hypothesized relationship did exist when uncertainty was measured employing both factors simultaneously

Top Management Team Heterogeneity and SME Export Performance: Investigating the Role of Environmental Uncertainty

Research has generally found that firm competing in high uncertainty environments gain advantages from having diverse (heterogeneous) management teams (TMTs). Employing a national survey of 70 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the present study examined whether TM T heterogeneity in functional background, international work experience, and foreign language proficiency had a stronger relationship with  export performance for firms competing in high than those competing in low uncertainty environments. Results were generally weak when market and industry factors contributing to uncertainty were examined  separately;  however,  additional  analysis  showed  that  the hypothesized relationship did exist when uncertainty was measured employing both factors simultaneously

Growing Pains: An Employment Compliance Primer for Small Employers

Small employers often have an advantage over their larger counterparts in that they are not subject to certain regulatory compliance requirements. However, as small employers' workforces expand, the organizations become subject to various federal employment statutes. This paper reviews the primary federal employment laws that are likely to impact small firms as they grow.  It also provides suggestions for dealing with these mandates

Basic Skills Deficiencies at Work: Perceptions of Small and Large Employers*

American business is faced with major problems  due to the decline  in basic work skills , yet many employers continue to ignore the threat of a proficiency gap in the workforce . This paper addresses the importance of basic work skills to business, especially small business. It also presents the results of a study comparing how small and large employers are screening for  and dealing with workers who lack basic skills

Empirical Implications for Small Business Drug Policies

The results of empirical studies of small and large businesses parallel each other regarding the characteristics of drug policies. Drug policies affect organizational performance, including improved productivity and reduced accidents. EAPs are an effective approach to drug policies. and outside contractors are common sources of information and services. Pre-employment testing is usually combined with other types of testing , but careful attention is needed to meet legal requirements. Employees with positive tests may cause difficulties, but, overall. employee morale rises. Small businesses without drug policies are increasing  their competitive risks.