Insights into entrepreneurial orientation of Japanese traditional manufacturing SMEs

This paper seeks to examine the interplay between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and SMEs‘ internationalisation behaviour. Drawing on the three case studies of Japanese traditional manufacturing SMEs, we seek to understand the key drivers and constraints behind their internationalisation decision. Our study revealed that the most differentiated orientation is related to their perception of 'risk‘ and 'competition‘. Risk taking is seen as the nature of the business that enables them to sustain in the market. Whereas, competition is seen as the motivation to develop in order to support their industry and to be successful in the international market.