Business networking and internationalization: testing the mediation role of organizational learning

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to establish the mediation role of organizational learning in the relationship between business networking and internationalization of manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) using evidence from Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is cross sectional and correlational. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 96 manufacturing SMEs. Data were analyzed through correlation coefficients, hierarchical regression and mediation analysis using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and MedGraph - Excel Version.

Findings

Findings indicate that organizational learning partially mediates the relationship between business networking and internationalization of SMEs. Results further reveal that business networking and organizational learning significantly predict internationalization of SMEs.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the already existing literature on internationalization of SMEs as it provides initial empirical evidence on the mediating role of organizational learning in the relationship between business networking and internationalization of SMEs using evidence from a developing country – Uganda.

Citation

Sendawula, K., Ngoma, M., Bananuka, J., Kimuli, S.N.L. and Kabuye, F. (2021), "Business networking and internationalization: testing the mediation role of organizational learning", World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, Vol. 17 No. 2, pp. 246-259. https://doi.org/10.1108/WJEMSD-04-2020-0030