Although exporting performance and absorptive capacity with its relevant antecedents have been studied extensively, but rare of them have integrated these variables into a more comprehensive framework. This study aims to employ absorptive capacity perspective on export outcomes, not only trying to measure the effects of the antecedents on absorptive capacity, but also to identify the moderating effects of psychic distance and interdependency for the influences of the antecedents on absorptive capacity.
This study conducts a variety of data analytic techniques such as factor analysis, reliability check, hierarchical regression, analysis of variance, and structural equation modeling. The results indicate that: (1) there is a positive influence of exporters’ regulatory focus, export orientation, and cultural intelligence on absorptive capacity; (2) there is a positive influence of absorptive capacity on organizational innovativeness, export performance, and relationship satisfaction; (3) when exporters perceive less psychic distance, the influence of the antecedents on absorptive capacity will be enhanced; and (4) exporters who have lower independency on their partners will enhance the influence of the antecedents on absorptive capacity.
