A gendered analysis of Spanish SMEs export managers in externalised channels

Abstract

This study is intended to analyse the situation of female managers in a setting traditionally considered male as is export activities, although examining the position of boundary managers in externalised export channel management where female interpersonal skills could be particularly valuable. This research empirically carries out a gendered analysis of SMEs’ Spanish export managers, shedding light about actual barriers that female managers face in this setting and about determinants of export intensity. A quantitative analysis based on an online questionnaire is performed with 193 valid questionnaires (29.42 response rate). Examining human-capital, firm-level, and sociological and cultural attributes, results show that female export managers have less experience than men, are newer in managerial positions and are associated with the service sector; we also observe that export management experience, time in current position and firm export experience have different impacts on export intensity for women than for men. Women need to establish social professional networks and/or mentoring relationships and export stimulation programs should be sensitive to female differences.