The Impact of Payment Risk Management on the Performance of Korean SME Exporters in the Digital Trade Environment: The Moderating Effect of Trading Partnership Orientation

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between payment risk management and the performance of SME exporters in the digital trade environment. Research design, data, and methodology: In total, 1500 questionnaires were distributed, 200 questionnaires were returned, and 191 were utilized after excluding questionnaires with dishonest or inappropriate responses. Empirical analysis to derive the research results was conducted using the Smart PLS ver. 4.1 statistical package for structural equation modeling. Results: First, credit risk management, B2B trade receivables management, and strategic foreign exchange risk management were found to have a significant impact on payment risk management performance. Second, orientation toward building trade partnerships was found to positively moderate the relationship between payment risk management and payment risk management performance. Conclusions: This study provides guidance on the factors that small and medium-sized enterprise exporters should adopt for managing payment risks, and it is expected to contribute to strengthening export competitiveness by providing practical measures.