“SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?”: A MULTIPLE-CRITERIA GROUP DECISION-MAKING APPROACH TO SME INTERNATIONALIZATION

Due to domestic markets’ current economic conditions, companies increasingly feel that they need become actively involved in international trade. However, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) typically face financial intellectual constraints during internationalization processes. This means decision makers must consider a wide range of different variables before deciding internationalize firms. study sought integrate well-established problem structuring method (i.e., cognitive mapping) multiple-criteria analysis (MCDA) technique Decision EXpert (DEX)) order develop model suitable for the identification assessment influencing SME capability. Using data collected face-to-face meetings with panel experts entrepreneurs chief executive officers (CEOs)), constructivist evaluating capability was created tested using real data. The results confirm dual methodology adopted facilitates development robust evaluation can improve decisionmaking processes context question. Specifically, proposed identifies product features as most important factor successful internationalization. In addition, internal factors are significantly more relevant than external factors. integrated use mapping DEX provides well-informed perspective on We know no prior research reporting these two methodologies context.