International operations and export performance: an empirical study

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of operations management in the development of international operations – international operations being considered as distribution centers, services and manufacturing plants abroad.Design/methodology/approach – The proposed model evaluates the relationship between international operations, cross‐functional orientation (CFO) and company's exports performance. A survey was carried out with 99 companies from two industries (machinery and food) located in a newly industrialized country. The data were analyzed through structural equation modeling.Findings – The results suggest the existence of a relation between international operations to company's performance and also that international operations are positively related to CFO.Research limitations/implications – The sampling frame is limited to only two industries: machinery and food and to companies located in southern Brazil.Originality/value – The paper is of value in showing how the process of i...