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Network evolution and cultivation patterns during the internationalization process: case analyses from Korean SMEs

Author

Listed:
  • So Won Jeong

    (Sangmyung University)

  • Byoungho Jin

    (The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG))

  • Jae-Eun Chung

    (Sungkyunkwan University)

  • Heesoon Yang

    (Sungkyunkwan University)

Abstract

Integrating network and institutional perspectives, we explore patterns of network development and cultivation in SMEs during the internationalization process. Case analysis of thirteen Korean SMEs from the consumer-goods sector reveals that the firms extensively utilize strong and weak networks, in both social and business categories, at each phase of internationalization, albeit in different ways. Weak business networks over the process of internationalization may be maintained, grow stronger, or evolve into social networks, influenced by country-specific institutional contexts. The findings provide evidence of change in network type and strength, conferring an evolutionary perspective on network development.

Suggested Citation

  • So Won Jeong & Byoungho Jin & Jae-Eun Chung & Heesoon Yang, 2017. "Network evolution and cultivation patterns during the internationalization process: case analyses from Korean SMEs," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 16(4), pages 323-351, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:abaman:v:16:y:2017:i:4:d:10.1057_s41291-017-0025-3
    DOI: 10.1057/s41291-017-0025-3
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    Cited by:

    1. Morais, Flávio & Ferreira, João J., 2020. "SME internationalisation process: Key issues and contributions, existing gaps and the future research agenda," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 38(1), pages 62-77.
    2. Rebecca Chunghee Kim & Akira Saito & V. Mohan Avvari, 2020. "Interpretation and integration of “creating shared value” in Asia: implications for strategy research and practice," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 19(4), pages 379-406, September.
    3. Jaeyoung Cho & Jangwoo Lee, 2020. "Speed of FDI expansions and the survival of Korean SMEs: the moderating role of ownership structure," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 19(2), pages 184-212, April.
    4. Stephan Gerschewski & Natasha Evers & Anh Tuan Nguyen & Fabian Jintae Froese, 2020. "Trade Shows and SME Internationalisation: Networking for Performance," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 60(4), pages 573-595, August.
    5. Rebecca Chunghee Kim & Akira Saito & V. Mohan Avvari, 0. "Interpretation and integration of “creating shared value” in Asia: implications for strategy research and practice," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 0, pages 1-28.
    6. Jaeyoung Cho & Jangwoo Lee, 2018. "Internationalization and longevity of Korean SMEs: the moderating role of contingent factors," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 17(4), pages 260-285, September.
    7. Jaeyoung Cho & Jangwoo Lee, 2018. "Internationalization and performance of Korean SMEs: the moderating role of competitive strategy," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 17(2), pages 140-166, April.

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