The internet and export marketing from a Middle Eastern perspective

Zafar U. Ahmed, Prince Fahad Bin Sultan National University
Craig C. Julian, Southern Cross University
Imad B. Baalbaki, American University of Beirut
Tamar V. Hadidian, American University of Beirut

Abstract

This study explores the role of the Internet in export marketing. The data was gathered based on a survey of 61 Lebanese manufacturing firms engaged in exporting. The findings indicate a positive relationship between Website ownership, average annual sales volume and export. The findings further indicate that the main reason for owning a corporate Website was to attract clients outside of Lebanon. The second and third top reasons for owning a corporate Website turned out to be improving the company’s image and advertising, respectively. Finally, the findings indicate a positive relationship between Website ownership and engaging in export, share of exports over total sales and the number of countries to which the firm exports.