A dynamic capability perspective of ambidexterity and itsimpact on international venture performance: Evidence from Nigerian industrial SMEs

Résumé En

Digital technologies provide contemporary organizations with a unique opportunity to develop a new set ofdynamic capabilities to advance their business activities. For small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) inparticular, technology can serve as a powerful force that can be used in order to meet the challenges imposedby larger competitors, especially in an international business context. The present study examines the role ofthree technology-related dynamic capabilities in influencing the international venture performance of SMEs, bysupporting their efforts to fully exploit their current products, knowledge, and processes (exploitationorientation) or by assisting them in developing new knowledge, introducing innovating offerings, and adoptingnovel business approaches (exploration orientation). Using data collected from Nigerian SMEs which operate ininternational markets, we find that digitalization capabilities, market capitalizing agility, and real-time marketresponsiveness have a positive impact on the pursuing of both an exploitation and exploration orientationtowards international business activities. We also indicate that an exploitation orientation (but not anexploration orientation) has a significant positive impact on international venture performance