Analyzing factors affecting export performance of manufacturing firms

Purpose - This study aims to explore potential mutually beneficial Malaysia- Middle East partnership through the seeking for factors affects firm’s performance. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conduct to analysis Malaysian firms that have ventured into nations surrounding the Persian Gulf. Both large-sized firms and SMEsare pursuing business opportunities in the region. The data was collected using highly structured surveyquestionnaire and was addressed to the top management in the company. A total of one hundred and twenty useful returns were received.Findings – The perceived performanceis rather modest and analyses revealed there are no significant differences in export performance arising from differences in firm’s characteristics. However, the results showed there is significant difference of industry in non-economic measure of exportperformance and another exceptionrelates to entry mode that can explain the variation in export performance. Research Limitations/Implications – The restricted number of firms which may not be representatives of Malaysian exporters as well as crosssectional nature of the study. The results raise our understanding of therelationship between firm’s characteristics and export performance. The results emanate from its expected theoretical implications to knowledge and practical implications to business and public organization. It lends support to the firm’s performance andenhances their export marketingknowledge with useful implications for international marketing. Originality/value – The results support the proposition fromdeveloping countries which depends on firm’s characteristics particularly industry and entry mode influence export performance.

کلیدواژه ها:

Export Performance ، Demographic variables ، Malaysian firms ، Middle East