English Abstract
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to examine the individual factors and strategic
motivations that influence the inclination to expand the operations of a social
enterprise internationally. In order to fulfil the study's objectives, quantitative
data was gathered through the use of a survey questionnaire. This data was
obtained from senior managers or CEOs of 128 small enterprises and 40 medium
enterprises that are currently operating within the geographical boundaries of
Saudi Arabia. The data that was gathered was subjected to analysis through the
use of simple linear regression in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences
(SPSS). The study's findings indicate that personal factors, such as risk-taking
propensity and entrepreneurial self-efficacy, play a significant role in influencing
the internationalisation intention of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the internationalisation intention of small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia is significantly influenced by
strategic motives such as the pursuit of markets and the acquisition of resources.
Nevertheless, the study failed to yield substantial evidence regarding the
correlation between the utilisation of technology and the intention of small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia to engage in
internationalisation activities. The current investigation makes a valuable
contribution to the existing body of knowledge, as research on the
internationalisation of social enterprises is limited and lacking. Therefore, this
study holds significant importance in terms of its contribution to the literature.
Furthermore, the examination of personal factors, such as risk-taking propensity
and self-efficacy, remains unexplored within the realm of internationalisation of
social enterprises. In addition, it is noteworthy that no prior research has
examined the strategic motivations, such as the pursuit of technology, markets,
and resources, for the internationalisation of social enterprises. This study thus
serves as a significant contribution in addressing this research gap.
