Abstract:

The main purpose of this study is to analyze the influence that entrepreneurial orientation have on export performance of Portuguese footwear small and medium enterprises (SME). Therefore, this research adopted a quantitative methodological approach, conducting a descriptive, exploratory and transversal empirical study, having applied a questionnaire to a sample of Portuguese companies exporting footwear. From this study it was possible to conclude that entrepreneurial orientation enhance export performance of Portuguese footwear companies in foreign markets. It is confirmed that innovation and proactiveness are preponderant for export performance of these companies. Innovation because of the amount of funds invested, human resources dedicated to this activity, number of new products or services introduced in the market and frequent change in product lines or services, and proactiveness due to the materialization of a long-term perspective, which is accompanied by innovative activities or new businesses. This study presents entrepreneurial orientation as an strategic determinant which contribute to the export performance. Finally, the main limitation of this study is related to the sample size, since it was difficult to find companies willing to collaborate with this kind of research.