Abstract:

Purpose- The aim of the reported research is to investigate the external exporting barriers that Jordanian’s SMEs face when engaging in international business and to concentrates on the issue of export performance and its determinants among indigenous firms in Jordan. Design/methodology/approach- Based on the aim of this study, a questionnaire based survey method was conducted among 250 Jordanians manufacturing SMEs using random sampling with usable response rate of 54 per cent. Data were analyzed using relevant statistical tests ranging from t test to regression analysis. Finding- Governmental and economic political- legal barriers were identified as being significantly important. Moreover, it was found that SMEs’ performance strongly related to the external exporting barriers with negative relationship considered by way of their level of export activities. Implications- The study was carried out on companies operating in Jordan. Hence, caution should be taken when generalisation across cultures is considered. However, the findings of the study provide public and company policy makers with valuable guidelines for the formulation of suitable export marketing strategies and national export assistance programs. Originality /Value- The literature contains shortage of studies that fully investigate this subject. This research makes a valuable contribution to the recognition of this knowledge gap.