Key decision Maker as the determinant of internationalization of Medium sized enterprises: Lessons from Kenya

Abstract

The main objective of the study is to determine the influence of key decision maker attributes on the internationalization of medium sized firms. Key decision maker attributes have been underscored in much internationalization literature across different contexts as a principal feature that facilitates the process of Medium Enterprises internationalization. Medium enterprises play a significant role in creating a strong economic base to any country since they greatly contribute to employment creation. There is overwhelming evidence from the literature that the key decision maker plays a huge role in the internationalization of Medium enterprises. International entrepreneurship theory is the main theoretical framework which informs the study. The main variables that are examined in the study include key decision maker education, international experience and international business vision. Descriptive research design has been used in the study. The key CEOs of the Top 100 medium sized companies in the category of 2012 were the respondents of the study. The results of the study indicate that key decision maker attributes plays a significant role in the internationalization process of medium sized firms. The study concludes that the key decision maker is a major determinant of the firm’s ability to grow from the domestic market and internationalize its operations.