The Influence of SMEs Decision-Makers’ Individual Characteristics on Risk Perception Associated with Exporting: Evidence from Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This paper explores the influence of the individual characteristics on the risk perceptions of decision-makers within small and medium sized (SME) businesses considering (or engaged in) exporting within the Saudi Arabia. Currently there is a paucity of research examining individual-level differences and the decision to export within manufacturing settings. Moreover, this is the first examination of these characteristics within the Saudi Arabian contexts. A total of fifteen interviews with Saudi SMEs mangers/owners within manufacturing industries were completed. The results suggest that managers’ individual characteristics (operationalised as personality, management style, education and experience) influence their perceptions of risks associated with the exporting decision.

Keywords: Risk perception, Saudi Arabia, SMEs decision-makers, Individual characteristics, Exporting SMEs