Drivers of Knowledge Competence and Performance in Early Internationalising Korean SMEs: A Knowledge-Based View

This study investigates the pathways to performance from international business experience of top managers and network value in early internationalising small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), with a particular focus on the mediating effects of knowledge competence. Analysis of data collected from early internationalising Korean SMEs reveals positive relationships between international business experience of top managers and value of network and knowledge competence that in turn affects international performance. It also finds that knowledge competence fully mediates the link between network value and performance. This study contributes to moving forward our understanding about the pathways to international performance from these drivers and the significance of knowledge competence. Implications, limitations and suggestions for future studies are presented.