A Conceptual Framework and Research Methodology for Analyzing Ethiopia's Export Performance Determinants

Eshetu Chalachew; Sam Lubbe; Flip Schutte

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.12

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A Conceptual Framework and Research Methodology for Analyzing Ethiopia's Export Performance Determinants

Eshetu Chalachew

, Sam Lubbe^*

, Flip Schutte

Published in International Journal of Business and Economics Research (Volume 14, Issue 6)

Received: 30 October 2025 Accepted: 19 November 2025 Published: 17 December 2025

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Abstract

This study developed and empirically tested a Resource-Based View (RBV) and Contingency Theory model to investigate the determinants of export performance among Ethiopian manufacturing firms (textile, garment, leather). It posited that export marketing mix strategy acts as a crucial mediator linking internal (managerial, firm-specific) and external (competitive, mar-ket) factors to overall export success. Employing a sequential mixed-methods design (QUANT → QUAL), the research ana-lyzed data from a large sample of 389 exporting firms. Quantitative analysis utilized Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), alongside specialised econometric techniques—including the Tobit model (for export intensity) and the Probit model (for di-chotomous outcomes)—to ensure appropriate dependent variable handling. Findings confirmed the significant, mediating role of strategic marketing choices in translating resources and environmental pressures into performance. The results offer valua-ble, actionable insights for managers optimizing resource allocation and policymakers seeking to enhance national export development programs, providing a robust, context-specific framework for emerging economies.

Published in	International Journal of Business and Economics Research (Volume 14, Issue 6)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.12
Page(s)	240-253
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Export Performance, Resource-Based View (RBV), Export Marketing Strategy, Ethiopian Manufacturing Firms, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), Mediating Role, Contingency Theory, Tobit Model

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Chalachew, E., Lubbe, S., Schutte, F. (2025). A Conceptual Framework and Research Methodology for Analyzing Ethiopia's Export Performance Determinants. International Journal of Business and Economics Research, 14(6), 240-253. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.12

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ACS Style

Chalachew, E.; Lubbe, S.; Schutte, F. A Conceptual Framework and Research Methodology for Analyzing Ethiopia's Export Performance Determinants. Int. J. Bus. Econ. Res. 2025, 14(6), 240-253. doi: 10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.12

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AMA Style

Chalachew E, Lubbe S, Schutte F. A Conceptual Framework and Research Methodology for Analyzing Ethiopia's Export Performance Determinants. Int J Bus Econ Res. 2025;14(6):240-253. doi: 10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.12

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@article{10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.12,
  author = {Eshetu Chalachew and Sam Lubbe and Flip Schutte},
  title = {A Conceptual Framework and Research Methodology for Analyzing Ethiopia's Export Performance Determinants},
  journal = {International Journal of Business and Economics Research},
  volume = {14},
  number = {6},
  pages = {240-253},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijber.20251406.12},
  abstract = {This study developed and empirically tested a Resource-Based View (RBV) and Contingency Theory model to investigate the determinants of export performance among Ethiopian manufacturing firms (textile, garment, leather). It posited that export marketing mix strategy acts as a crucial mediator linking internal (managerial, firm-specific) and external (competitive, mar-ket) factors to overall export success. Employing a sequential mixed-methods design (QUANT → QUAL), the research ana-lyzed data from a large sample of 389 exporting firms. Quantitative analysis utilized Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), alongside specialised econometric techniques—including the Tobit model (for export intensity) and the Probit model (for di-chotomous outcomes)—to ensure appropriate dependent variable handling. Findings confirmed the significant, mediating role of strategic marketing choices in translating resources and environmental pressures into performance. The results offer valua-ble, actionable insights for managers optimizing resource allocation and policymakers seeking to enhance national export development programs, providing a robust, context-specific framework for emerging economies.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - A Conceptual Framework and Research Methodology for Analyzing Ethiopia's Export Performance Determinants
AU  - Eshetu Chalachew
AU  - Sam Lubbe
AU  - Flip Schutte
Y1  - 2025/12/17
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.12
T2  - International Journal of Business and Economics Research
JF  - International Journal of Business and Economics Research
JO  - International Journal of Business and Economics Research
SP  - 240
EP  - 253
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-756X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.12
AB  - This study developed and empirically tested a Resource-Based View (RBV) and Contingency Theory model to investigate the determinants of export performance among Ethiopian manufacturing firms (textile, garment, leather). It posited that export marketing mix strategy acts as a crucial mediator linking internal (managerial, firm-specific) and external (competitive, mar-ket) factors to overall export success. Employing a sequential mixed-methods design (QUANT → QUAL), the research ana-lyzed data from a large sample of 389 exporting firms. Quantitative analysis utilized Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), alongside specialised econometric techniques—including the Tobit model (for export intensity) and the Probit model (for di-chotomous outcomes)—to ensure appropriate dependent variable handling. Findings confirmed the significant, mediating role of strategic marketing choices in translating resources and environmental pressures into performance. The results offer valua-ble, actionable insights for managers optimizing resource allocation and policymakers seeking to enhance national export development programs, providing a robust, context-specific framework for emerging economies.
VL  - 14
IS  - 6
ER  -

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Author Information

Eshetu Chalachew

School of Business Leadership, UNISA, Midrand, South Africa

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http://orcid.org/0009-0003-2133-0068
Sam Lubbe

Stadio Higher Education, SOOAM, Krugersdorp, South Africa

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http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7832-5687
Flip Schutte

Stadio Higher Education, Research, Krugersdorp, South Africa

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6031-9206

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APA Style

Chalachew, E., Lubbe, S., Schutte, F. (2025). A Conceptual Framework and Research Methodology for Analyzing Ethiopia's Export Performance Determinants. International Journal of Business and Economics Research, 14(6), 240-253. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.12

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ACS Style

Chalachew, E.; Lubbe, S.; Schutte, F. A Conceptual Framework and Research Methodology for Analyzing Ethiopia's Export Performance Determinants. Int. J. Bus. Econ. Res. 2025, 14(6), 240-253. doi: 10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.12

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AMA Style

Chalachew E, Lubbe S, Schutte F. A Conceptual Framework and Research Methodology for Analyzing Ethiopia's Export Performance Determinants. Int J Bus Econ Res. 2025;14(6):240-253. doi: 10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.12,
  author = {Eshetu Chalachew and Sam Lubbe and Flip Schutte},
  title = {A Conceptual Framework and Research Methodology for Analyzing Ethiopia's Export Performance Determinants},
  journal = {International Journal of Business and Economics Research},
  volume = {14},
  number = {6},
  pages = {240-253},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijber.20251406.12},
  abstract = {This study developed and empirically tested a Resource-Based View (RBV) and Contingency Theory model to investigate the determinants of export performance among Ethiopian manufacturing firms (textile, garment, leather). It posited that export marketing mix strategy acts as a crucial mediator linking internal (managerial, firm-specific) and external (competitive, mar-ket) factors to overall export success. Employing a sequential mixed-methods design (QUANT → QUAL), the research ana-lyzed data from a large sample of 389 exporting firms. Quantitative analysis utilized Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), alongside specialised econometric techniques—including the Tobit model (for export intensity) and the Probit model (for di-chotomous outcomes)—to ensure appropriate dependent variable handling. Findings confirmed the significant, mediating role of strategic marketing choices in translating resources and environmental pressures into performance. The results offer valua-ble, actionable insights for managers optimizing resource allocation and policymakers seeking to enhance national export development programs, providing a robust, context-specific framework for emerging economies.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - A Conceptual Framework and Research Methodology for Analyzing Ethiopia's Export Performance Determinants
AU  - Eshetu Chalachew
AU  - Sam Lubbe
AU  - Flip Schutte
Y1  - 2025/12/17
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.12
T2  - International Journal of Business and Economics Research
JF  - International Journal of Business and Economics Research
JO  - International Journal of Business and Economics Research
SP  - 240
EP  - 253
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-756X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.12
AB  - This study developed and empirically tested a Resource-Based View (RBV) and Contingency Theory model to investigate the determinants of export performance among Ethiopian manufacturing firms (textile, garment, leather). It posited that export marketing mix strategy acts as a crucial mediator linking internal (managerial, firm-specific) and external (competitive, mar-ket) factors to overall export success. Employing a sequential mixed-methods design (QUANT → QUAL), the research ana-lyzed data from a large sample of 389 exporting firms. Quantitative analysis utilized Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), alongside specialised econometric techniques—including the Tobit model (for export intensity) and the Probit model (for di-chotomous outcomes)—to ensure appropriate dependent variable handling. Findings confirmed the significant, mediating role of strategic marketing choices in translating resources and environmental pressures into performance. The results offer valua-ble, actionable insights for managers optimizing resource allocation and policymakers seeking to enhance national export development programs, providing a robust, context-specific framework for emerging economies.
VL  - 14
IS  - 6
ER  -

Copy | Download