Examining determinants of export performance in small open economies

Maintaining the standard of living in small open economies requires engagin g in international exchange. We report the results of a study that was cond ucted in Austria and refer to certain of the dramatic changes taking place in Europe. The objective is to examine decision-makers' experiences in mana ging companies in a small open economy on several factors impacting export performance. Analyzing the effects of multiple determinants on different ex port performance measures, our findings reveal that in addition so firm siz e, the most promising predictors of export performance are management 's mo tives to internationalize and the use of a differentiation strategy. These findings are important because the latter two dimensions are management dec ision variables. The results of the study are relevant for managers operati ng in small open economies whose companies must consider both domestic and international developments.