Modeling Small Locally-Owned Firms Export Behaviour: The Role of Language‪.‬

INTRODUCTION The literature on the international operation of the small firms is quite extensive (e.g. see Rueber & Fischer, 2002; Brouthers & Nakos, 2004; Oviatt & McDougall, 2005; Miesenbock, 1988; Leonidou & Katsikeas, 1996; Williams; 2009; Lautanen; 2000 etc). There is no doubt that the increased attention given to the international operation of these smaller firms is driven by the increasingly globalised nature of the world economy. Economic integration, the revolution in information and communication technologies, the reduction in tariff barriers, among other things have all contributed to an increased level of competition in national markets. This competition has forced more firms to start looking to the international market place for customers in order to ensure their future survival (Cavusgil, 1994). A big portion of this literature however, focuses on the factors that motivate these smaller firms to seek business opportunities abroad. The environment dictates that these smaller firms will have to change strategic direction in order to ensure their survival. However, because of their limited resource capacity, many see themselves as not having the capabilities to take on the complexities of doing international business transactions. How those who do it managed to accomplish the achievement and why they do it are questions at the heart of the research stream looking into the area of international entrepreneurship.