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Local formal interpersonal networks and SMEs internationalisation: Empirical evidence from the UK

Idris, Bocha, Saridakis, George (2018) Local formal interpersonal networks and SMEs internationalisation: Empirical evidence from the UK. International Business Review, 27 (3). pp. 610-624. ISSN 0969-5931. E-ISSN 0962-9262. (doi:10.1016/j.ibusrev.2017.10.010) (KAR id:65727)

Abstract

This article uses data from the UK Longitudinal Small Business Survey (2015) to empirically test the relationship between local (formal and informal) interpersonal networks and exporting. Our results suggest that local interpersonal networks increase the likelihood of exporting. More importantly, we find that the role of formal interpersonal networks (e.g. accountants) on internationalisation increases as firm size increases, while the link between informal interpersonal networks (e.g. family) and exporting becomes weaker. We argue that larger firms have more complex operations and diverse structures than smaller firms that require the engagement of formal interpersonal networks to help with the internationalisation process.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.ibusrev.2017.10.010
Uncontrolled keywords: Exporting; Formal networks; Informal networks; Internationalisation; Interpersonal networks; SMEs
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions: Divisions > Kent Business School - Division > Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship and International Business
Depositing User: George Saridakis
Date Deposited: 12 Jan 2018 16:53 UTC
Last Modified: 09 Dec 2022 08:21 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/65727 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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