Manager gender, entrepreneurial orientation and SMEs export and import propensities: evidence for Spanish businesses

Abstract This paper investigates the role of manager gender in SMEs’ decisions to get involved exporting and importing activities, using a sample 1,405 Spanish SMEs. We borrow insights from international entrepreneurship theories feminist set testable hypotheses regarding how managerial entrepreneurial orientation (proactiveness, risk-taking innovativeness) may influence SMEs export import propensities. Using bivariate probit model controlling for other business characteristics, results reveal that there are not significant disparities propensities between men- women-run businesses. However, female-led show lower propensity, comparison male-led counterparts. In addition, three dimensions important drivers participating overseas markets, do depend upon gender. work provides new empirical evidence on as regards export/import behavior thus, it contributes improve our knowledge internationalization. The manager’s propensity has been investigated so far, this is main novelty research.