Investigating the Role of Entrepreneurial Traits and Human Capital on the Internationalization Degree of Small and Medium Enterprises in Turkey
Esra Bal, Asst. Prof. Dr. Özlem Kunday

Abstract
Academic research on international activities of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) has increased remarkably during the 20th century. Findings of these studies revealed various factors that influence SME internationalization. This paper emphasizes on the role of entrepreneurial traits and human capital of the entrepreneur on the internationalization degrees of SMEs. Questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 159 SME owners who attended different international fairs in Istanbul, Turkey. Analysis results indicate that there is a significant relationship between proactive behavior of the entrepreneur and the level of internationalization as well as a significant relationship between human capital and the degree of internationalization of Turkish SMEs. Implications are discussed and future research suggestions are presented.

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