Factors constraining from Lesotho based manufacturing enterprises

[摘要] Exporting is a popular mode of internationalisation for a variety of reasons. Forinstance, many enterprises prefer exporting because it permits them to learn fromcompetition with minimum resources committed by the enterprise. However, it isnoted in literature that enterprises face various constraints when exporting.Earlier studies, mostly conducted in developed countries, have documentedseveral exporting constraints. The studies do not agree on the grouping of factorsconstraining exporting and elements that form such groupings. Also, it isacknowledged in literature that generalising findings from developed countries todeveloping countries would not necessarily be appropriate, hence studies indeveloping countries such as Lesotho are necessary and, to the researcher'sknowledge, this study is the first to be conducted in Lesotho. This formal study,therefore, was carried out to test the hypotheses developed from literatureregarding factors that constrain exporting.Lesotho is land locked, being completely surrounded by the Republic of SouthAfrica. It is believed that Lesotho's setting can bring insights into exporting as thecountry becomes a popular destination for export-oriented investors. Althoughenterprises operating in Lesotho had been exporting prior to 2000, there was amajor boost of exports at the beginning of 2000 when Lesotho became eligible for exports to the United States, Canada and European markets under theagreement in the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA). The AGOA agreementbrought a flow of Asian export-oriented investors into Lesotho. Lesotho's exportsare concentrated in the apparel and textile industries and are destined to a fewcountries, predominantly South Africa and the United States.The literature review covers the globalisation of the business environment.Further, the international entry modes are discussed along with the theories thatexplain the decision of the enterprises to initiate the internationalisation process.Finally, the exporting mode of internationalisation is discussed detailing theconstraints that enterprises face when engaging in exporting.A questionnaire was used to collect data. The instrument first underwent arigorous evaluation by experts who are knowledgeable about the subject. Theexperts proposed changes that were adopted prior to conducting a pilot study. Ajudgemental sampling approach was used where manufacturing enterpriseslocated in seven of ten industrial areas in Lesotho, who agreed to participate inthe study, were issued one questionnaire each. The questionnaires weredistributed to key informants who were regarded as managers directlyresponsible for international operations. Alternatively, chief executive officerswere approached in situations where enterprises did not employ internationaloperation's managers. A response rate of 94.7 percent was obtained. The study revealed that exporting constraints are internal to the enterprises andthat three factors, as opposed to the five that were hypothesised, constrainexporting. The study further revealed that perceived exporting constraints variedaccording to the size of the enterprise as well as the ownership structure thereof.Recommendations were made relating to actions aimed at minimizing exportingconstraints. Lastly, future areas of research were identified.The study will be beneficial to enterprises as they will be able to adopt suitablemeasures to overcome or reduce the impact of exporting constraints. Also, thestudy will inform policy makers in Lesotho with regards to areas where appropriate assistance should be provided. In addition, the study would informbusiness educators regarding areas of training for exporters, which will addressthe training needs of exporters. Lastly, researchers interested in exporting willfind other avenues that can be researched in order to build the field of exporting.

[发布机构] University of Pretoria