Impacts of managerial capabilities on perceived international performance: mediating role of international opportunity-driven behavior

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between managerial capabilities, international opportunity-driven behavior and perceived international performance at an individual-level analysis. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual model is tested using data collected from 190 managers of international ventures from Colombia, an emerging economy in Latin America. Partial least squares structural equation modeling is used to analyze the data. Findings The findings reveal that international opportunity-driven behavior of individuals becomes a mediating managerial capability to achieve international performance under evolving and changing conditions. The results show three managerial capabilities are key drivers when pursuing international opportunities. Different from what the internationalization research claims, this study reveals that some hypotheses about the relationship between some managerial capabilities and perceived international performance are not confirmed in the context of an emerging economy. Research limitations/implications The specific limitations of the study open avenues for future research. However, the authors propose five research avenues to improve the generalizability of the results. Practical implications This study provides managers, entrepreneurs and policymakers suggestions. Thus, the authors offer a repertoire of managerial capabilities that emerging market entrepreneurs should develop to pursue opportunities across borders and achieve international performance. Social implications Managers should develop social capital capabilities by establishing networks with other relevant organizations and business partners, both in the domestic and international markets, to leverage enough knowledge that helps them to overcome the liability of newness and foreignness. Originality/value This study contributes to the knowledge by examining international opportunity-driven behavior at an individual-level analysis and bringing emerging economies as new contexts that may enrich the international business and international entrepreneurship literature.