The Internet and Export Marketing from a Middle Eastern Perspective

Zafar U. Ahmed
Texas A&M University, U.S.A.
Craig C. Julian
University of Southern Queensland, Australia
Imad B. Baalbaki
American University of Beirut, Lebanon
Tamar V. Hadidian
American University of Beirut, Lebanon

 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.

Key Words: Internet, Export Marketing, Lebanon