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Original scientific article

THE MODEL OF GREEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP FACTORS ON THE INTERNATIONALIZATION PERFORMANCE OF SMES IN CHINA: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

By
Wang Jing Hui Orcid logo ,
Wang Jing Hui

School of International Studies, Universiti Utara Malaysia , Kedah Darul Aman , Malaysia

Noor Afzainiza Afendi Orcid logo ,
Noor Afzainiza Afendi

Senior Lecturer, International Business Program, Universiti Utara Malaysia , Kedah Darul Aman , Malaysia

Muhamad Ali Imran Bin Kamarudin Orcid logo
Muhamad Ali Imran Bin Kamarudin

Senior Lecturer, Entrepreneurship Program, Universiti Utara Malaysia , Kedah Darul Aman , Malaysia

Abstract

Purpose: The study aims to establish the connection between green entrepreneurship variables, 
environmental management, green technologies, green commitment of individuals, and the 
environmentally sustainable workforce, and the performance of internationalization of the SME in China. 
It further examines the mediating position of eco-innovation and the moderating position of the 
government support program in this connection. Theoretical Framework: The research hypothesizes the 
performance of internationalization as the dependent variable, and the variables of green entrepreneurship 
as the independent variables. The mediator is eco-innovation, whereas the government support programs 
moderate the connection between eco-innovation and the performance of internationalization. The model 
is anchored on the Resource-based View (RBV). Methodology: The quantitative research design is 
applied, and the data is gathered by means of a self-administered questionnaire that will be distributed 
among manufacturing SMEs engaged in export business in Shanxi province, China. Findings: The 
research paper identifies the importance of green entrepreneurship factors in promoting the 
internationalization performance of SMEs. Strong contributors to internationalization are environmental 
management (coefficient = 0.325, p < 0.01) and green technologies (coefficient = 0.418, p < 0.01). The 
individual green commitment (coefficient = 0.267, p < 0.05) also has a positive influence on 
internationalization, and this interaction is mediated by eco-innovation (coefficient = 0.415, p < 0.001). 
The indirect effect of the environmentally sustainable workforce (coefficient = 0.193, p = 0.053) on the 
internationalization performance is also marginal. Research Implication: The results provide a significant 
implication to the SMEs and the policy makers, since it is clear that green entrepreneurship practices 
should be integrated to promote internationalization. Eco-innovation is a key factor in enhancing 
competitiveness, and such initiatives can be enhanced by the government. Originality/Value: The study 
adds to the discussion of how the factors of green entrepreneurship and eco-innovation can lead to the 
internationalization performance in SMEs, which present the opportunity to achieve sustainable growth 
and competitiveness on the global level. 

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