Browsing by Author "Andrei, Andreia Gabriela"

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Connecting the dots : exploring the knowledge-based antecedents of SMEs’ profitability and development via international ventures
(Sciendo, 2021-09) Andrei, Andreia Gabriela; Dincă, Violeta Mihaela; Mitan, Andreea; Vătămănescu, Elena Mădălina
As shifts occur on the global market and business models adapt to a dynamic environment, the process of business internationalization, as performed by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), maintains its relevance for academics, professionals, international organizations, and authorities. Studies in the field have emphasized the strategic component of internationalization, linking it to cultivating (sustainable) competitive advantages, to stimulating strategic innovation, to the pursuit of profitability, and to an overall improved performance, taking into account the activities conducted on foreign markets. Based on a survey carried out with over 100 European SMEs in the steel field, this study examines the influences of strategic collaborators (from international business networks), intermediaries (as organizational links to the target stakeholders), and strategic innovation on SMEs’ profitability resulted from international operations, and on the level of business development on foreign markets. The results have shown positive influences among most of the considered factors (i.e., direct collaborators, strategic innovation, international profitability and development), whereas intermediaries have a significant influence only on international profitability and not on SMEs’ development on foreign markets.
Exploring the mediating role of knowledge sharing between informal business networks and organizational performance : an insight into SMEs internationalization in CEE
(MDPI, 2022) Vătămănescu, Elena Mădălina; Mitan, Andreea; Cotîrleț, Paul Claudiu; Andrei, Andreia Gabriela
The current study aims to explore the mediating role of knowledge-sharing between international informal business networks and organizational performance. Emphasis is laid on a context-driven perspective, namely the internationalization of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Central and East Europe (CEE). To that end, an online questionnaire-based survey was conducted with 111 managers of CEE SMEs operating in different trade branches. The findings have shown that 46.6% of the variance in organizational performance is explained by the proposed model while 38.9% of the variance in the knowledge sharing process is explained by the affiliation of CEE SMEs to international informal business networks. The results have both theoretical and practical implications, supporting the imperative to further study the phenomena apposite to CEE region as a compelling research laboratory for multidimensional organizational idiosyncrasies.
Linking coopetition benefits and innovative performance within small and medium-sized enterprises networks: a strategic approach on knowledge sharing and direct collaboration
(Emerald Group Publishing LTD, 2022-05) Vătămănescu, Elena Mădălina; Mitan, Andreea; Andrei, Andreia Gabriela; Ghigiu, Alexandru Mihai
Purpose The present study aims to tackle SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) managers' awareness of coopetition benefits underpinning the process of knowledge sharing with a view to achieve innovative performance. The scrutiny of coopetition is placed within the context of SMEs strategic networks, which foster a fertile ground for competitive knowledge sharing and direct collaboration among members. Design/methodology/approach In total, 102 top managers and business owners of European steel SMEs were questioned regarding various issues related to coopetition, knowledge, collaboration and innovative performance strategies. The collected data were analyzed via the technique of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings The obtained values confirm that intense competition in the field stimulates SMEs to become aware of the benefits of coopetition. This awareness directly influences the innovative performance of the SMEs, as well as their interest in competitive knowledge sharing and their willingness to engage in direct collaboration. Direct collaboration catalyzes more intense competitive knowledge sharing at the inter-unit level whereas both direct collaboration and competitive knowledge sharing lead to better innovative performance in the case of the studied steel SMEs. Research limitations/implications A key theoretical contribution resides in revealing the influence of manifold factors in the overall equation of innovative performance, integrating competition, coopetition and knowledge sharing as antecedents. Originality/value The research advances a phenomenological view on SMEs networks in their strategy to leverage competitive knowledge and enhance system-driven innovation.