A Comparative Study of U.S. Department of Commerce Directors’ Attitudes towards their Ability to Provide Export Assistance to small and Large Businesses in Selected States

Abstract

Directors of the United States Department of Commerce in eight southern states were surveyed to determine their attitudes toward their ability to provide export assistance to small and large firms. Attitudes were assessed toward help available for direct and indirect exporting methods. Attitudes were found to be generally favorable, thus implying a considerable mismatch in perception and attitudes with small business entrepreneurs. The implications of this difference are discussed.