Internationalization strategy and performance of SMEs: An analysis based on organizational learning

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Abstract

Internationalization is a growing phenomenon that is increasingly affecting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Its impact on performance has been widely debated in the academic literature and remains a subject of controversy. The aim of this research is to examine internationalization and SME performance through the lens of organizational learning. To this end, our analysis, based on an explanatory study, focused first on assessing the effect of internationalization on performance. Secondly, we examined the moderating effect of organizational learning through exploitative and exploratory activities, as well as ambidexterity, on the internationalization-performance (I-P) relationship. These analyses were conducted using a quantitative approach and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Empirical data were collected from 54 industrial SMEs that were studied. The findings indicate that internationalization does not have a positive impact on performance. The orientation towards learning through exploitative or exploratory activities, during internationalization, did not lead to performance. Moreover, the ambidexterity approach was found to have a negative impact on SME performance during internationalization. This research contributes to the literature on the effects of internationalization on SME performance in the context of a developing country. It also adds to the body of knowledge on organizational learning in SMEs, particularly in relation to exploitation, exploration, and ambidexterity.

Keywords: Internationalization, Performance, SME, Exploitation, Exploration, Ambidexterity

Authors’ individual contribution: Conceptualization — H.M. and N.M.; Methodology — H.M. and N.M.; Formal Analysis — H.M.; Investigation — H.M.; Data Curation — H.M.; Writing — H.M.; Supervision — N.M.

Declaration of conflicting interests: The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

JEL Classification: D83, L9, L25, M16

Received: 12.03.2025
Revised: 11.07.2025; 29.08.2025
Accepted: 04.09.2025
Published online: 05.09.2025

How to cite this paper: Mehdaoui, H., & Moufdi, N. (2025). Internationalization strategy and performance of SMEs: An analysis based on organizational learning. Business Performance Review, 3(2), 8–19. https://doi.org/10.22495/bprv3i2p1