Export Performance in West Java: Investigating the Mediating Role of Competitive Advantage on Male Exporters' Export Capabilities

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Tiara Nisa Hasanah Rofifah, Lia Yuldinawati

Abstract

Introduction: This research is motivated by the low contribution of MSMEs to national exports, especially those run by male entrepreneurs, despite West Java Province being the region with the highest export contribution in Indonesia. This study focuses on analyzing the influence of export capability on the export performance of male MSMEs with competitive advantage as a mediating variable.


Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the extent of the positive and significant relationship between market intelligence capability, product innovation capability, pricing capability, marketing communication capability, distribution capability, and product development capability on competitive advantage in export-oriented MSMEs in West Java managed by male entrepreneurs. Additionally, this study aims to analyze the influence of competitive advantage on export performance, as well as the mediating role of competitive advantage in the relationship between each dimension of export capability and export performance.


Methods: This research is quantitative in nature. The population includes male MSME exporters in West Java who are actively engaged in export activities. The sample was selected using purposive sampling. Data was collected via a questionnaire distributed to 250 respondents using Google Forms and analyzed using Smart PLS 4.


Results: The results of this study found that market intelligence capability, pricing capability, marketing communication capability, product development capability, and distribution capability have a positive and significant influence on competitive advantage, while product innovation capability does not show a significant influence. Furthermore, competitive advantage significantly enhances MSME’s performance and serves as a mediator in the relationship between the five main capabilities (excluding product innovation capability) and the export performance of male MSMEs in West Java.


Conclusions: In this study, competitive advantage acts as a mediator connecting export capability with the performance of male MSME exporters in West Java, indicating that improving export performance largely depends on the ability of MSMEs to first build competitive advantage.

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