The impact of external social capital on export performance considering the mediating effect of dynamic capabilities

In the last two decades, exporting as a vital business activity in the national economy has grown rapidly and the trend of globalization of markets has increased the fundamental importance of understanding the behavior and performance of companies in export markets. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of external social capital on export performance considering the mediating effect of dynamic capabilities. This applied research has been done by survey method. Research population included top and export managers of export companies of Isfahan province which were selected as top export companies in 2016 and 2017. The statistical population was limited, so all of the population members were studied. Data have been collected via a questionnaire and analyzed through structural equation modeling conducted by Smart PLS3. Results indicate external social capital positively influences export performance and dynamic capabilities including export market exploration and exploitation, research and development, export entrepreneurial orientation and manufacturing flexibility. Moreover, export market exploration and export entrepreneurial orientation positively influence export performance. Unexpectedly, export market exploitation negatively affects export performance. The effects of research and development and manufacturing flexibility capabilities on export performance are not supported.