Competitiveness through strategic orientation

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to further the study of the factors that infl uence the international competitive position of international new ventures and, consequently, their international performance. Specifi cally, we analyze the role of entrepreneurial and market orientations in the international competitive position of such fi rms. Data were collected at Spanish and Belgian international new ventures. The structural equations model approach was used to test our hypotheses. Both the Spanish and the Belgian sample revealed a positive and signifi cant relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and market orientation. Furthermore, both orientations have a positive and signifi cant eff ect on the international competitive position of such fi rms. Finally, any fi rm’s international competitive position is positively and signifi cantly related to its international performance. The study therefore appears to indicate that, when it comes to international new ventures, the conjunction of these two orientations is a key factor to attaining a superior competitive position and a positive performance in international markets.