Identifying the key performance challenges to achieve improved export performance for Qatari SMEs

Abstract

Small and medium enterprises in Qatar, similar to their counterparts in other emerging countries, face many challenges by entering international markets. This study aims to identify and analyze the key performance challenges to achieve improved export performance for Qatari SMEs, and it offers new evidences on firm-level perceptions about export challenges for them. The findings are based on a primary data analysis of 103 SME exporters in various sectors across the country, using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis. The factor’s internal consistency as well as the discriminatory power are also applied to provide reliability and item analysis. The findings suggest that Qatari SMEs experience some difficulties in coping with international legislation knowledge; some issues related to building their self-confidence for undertaking exporting, some challenges in adapting marketing mix to suit the international market that they are targeting for exports.