The Impact of the Internationalization of Polish SMEs on Their Performance

The article deals with impact of internationalization on performance of small and medium enterprises. Some characteristics of the internationalization process along with its models are presented. Particular attention is paid to differences between classical models of internationalization and the so-called born global models. In the empirical part, results of the research into a sample of 100 internationalized enterprises functioning in the Silesian Voivodeship are discussed. The results enrich knowledge of internationalization models of Polish enterprises including born global models. The research undoubtedly confirms positive interdependencies between internationalization of small and medium enterprises and their financial and non-financial performance. The results of the research conducted allow for formulating general recommendations for both managers and politicians who are responsible for the overall economic policy.