Satisfaction with Paying for Government Export Assistance

Abstract

How should governments assist exporters most effectively? This question has vexed export researchers over two decades, and a definitive answer remains elusive. Most governments have trade-promotion programmes in recognition of the need to assist small firms in various areas. The motives of such programmes include a desire to stimulate export-led economic growth, increase the international competitiveness of firms, and reduce the trade deficits affecting many nations in recent decades (Leonidou and Katsikeas, 1996; Czinkota and Ronkainen, 1998; Moini, 1998). A continuing problem is that the effectiveness of government assistance programmes is difficult to measure (Seringhaus, 1986; Seringhaus and Rosson, 1990; Diamantopoulos et al., 1993), and there is doubt as to whether governments deliver what firms require. A further problem is that such government assistance programmes fly in the face of emerging attitudes towards free trade and the removal of subsidies and tariffs. A response of some governments is to introduce commercial charges for services. It becomes important to know whether firms consider they receive value for money, and whether providing such commercial consultancy services is the business that governments should be in.