(Evaluation of Export Barriers from the Institutional Theory Perspective)

Abstract

Purpose – Since the 1980s, a rich literature on internationalization addressing the export barriers facing enterprises and recommendations for eliminating them has emerged. However, there is scarce information about the causes of the barriers faced by the enterprises operating in different institutional environments. In this respect, the study aims to reveal the reasons behind export barriers from institutional theory perspective. In order to achieve this aim, the question of "Which institutions cause export barriers?" was answered. Methodology – The study includes 23 SMEs which are located in Ankara and experienced in exporting. The data were collected by Kelly’s REP test then answers were analyzed by content analysis. Thus, the institutions behind the export barriers that enterprises are faced with were identified. Findings – The findings of the study show that all regulatory and cognitive and normative institutions are effective in the emergence of export barriers (resource barriers, knowledge and experience barriers, procedure barriers and exogenous barriers), albeit at different levels. In other words, the causes of the barriers have concrete dimensions as well as abstract dimensions such as awareness or value judgments. Discussion – The study provides a view about examining institutions as the cause of exports barriers to the literature. Results of this study reveal that i) the barriers exhibit dynamism depending on the institutions that cause them, ii) the policies aimed at eliminating the barriers should be inclusive of all regulatory and cognitive and normative institutions, iii) since it is difficult to execute generic policies to eliminate the barriers case-specific policies should be implemented.