Exploratory Factor Analysis of SME Internationalization: Factor Differences between AEO and Non-AEO Authorized Companies

Purpose - This study identified internationalization factors for-Korean SMEs and explored factor differences between AEO and non-AEO authorized companies. Research design, data, and methodology - The study was designed to assess internationalization factors for AEO authorization in Korea through a questionnaire survey and an empirical analysis. The questionnaires were conducted for AEO and Non-AEO authorized companies that were undergoing AEO authorization. The study was conducted through e-mail and AEO manager education classes. Ninety-five questionnaires were collected. We employed the exploratory factor analysis methodology to derive internationalization factors for KoreanSMEs, and explored the factor differences between AEO and Non-AEO authorized companies. Results - AEO authorized companies outperformed Non-AEO authorized companies in R&D and technology. This indicated that AEO authorized companies were recognized as reliable and safe companies by the Korea Customs Service and other Customs services in trade facilitation and customs clearance processes. Conclusions - This study has some implications for AEO authorization and internationalization processes, and involved the empirical analysis of SMEs and the exploratory factor analysis in the internationalization process.