Internationalization process of Chinese SMEs: the role of business and ethnic-group based social networks

Lew, Y. K., Khan, Z., Rao-Nicholson, R. and He, S. (2016) Internationalization process of Chinese SMEs: the role of business and ethnic-group based social networks. International Journal of Multinational Corporation Strategy. 1(34), pp. 247-268. 2059-1047.

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8704:15711
8704:17724

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International Journal of Multinational Corporation Strategy - Chinese SME internationalisation.docx - Accepted Version
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8704:17724

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Lew20168704.pdf - Accepted Version

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Abstract:

This article examines how emerging market small and medium-sized enterprises (EM-SMEs) leverage their social network relationships for their internationalization process. Drawing from the internationalization process and network literature, it investigates four Chinese SMEs which have effectively entered foreign markets. The sample of Chinese manufacturing SMEs provides a valuable reference to compare and contrast the challenges and opportunities that foreign-network-constrained SMEs face in their internationalization process. The findings suggest that both business and ethnic group-based social ties as well as the strength of these networks play an important role in influencing the internationalization of Chinese SMEs. Particularly, the findings illustrate the importance and complementary role of ethnic ties (i.e., social networks), and relationships with multinationals (i.e., business networks) that enable the internationalization process of the EM-SMEs.

Uncontrolled Keywords:

Emerging market SMEs, internationalization process, social network, ethnic ties, China

Subjects:

H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions > HC94 By region or country > HC427.95 China
H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD2340 Small and medium-sized businesses, artisans, handicrafts, trades
H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF1379 International commerce

Creators:

Lew, Y. K., Khan, Z., Rao-Nicholson, R. and He, S.

Publisher:

Inderscience

Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:

University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Business & Law
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > China and Emerging Economies Centre
Research Centres > China and Emerging Economies Centre

Date:

14 August 2016