International Entrepreneurial Aspiration and Internationalisation Speed of Smes in Emerging Economy : The Roles of International Eo and Political Network Ties

Research indicates that IEA enables entrepreneurs to apply their limited resources to make informed decisions for rapid internationalization of their ventures. Despite the valuable role played by IEA, less knowledge exists on the mechanisms and conditions that shape its relationship with internationalization speed. This study draws on the TLB and RDT to contend that how and when IEA weaves its positive effect on internationalization speed hinges on the role of international EO and the contingency effect of international PNTs. Using CB-SEM and the bootstrapping technique, we verified our arguments using primary data from 299 SMEs in Ghana. Results of our analysis supported our moderated mediation model. First, international EO partially mediated the link between IEA and internationalization speed, and this indirect link was strengthened under high levels of international political network ties. These findings offer insights on international EO process and international PNTs condition under which internationalisation speed occurs