Achieving Superior International New Venture (Inv) Performance: Exploiting Short-Term Duration Of Ties

Network ties help international new ventures (INVs) achieve success. However, researchers have paid little attention to the duration of network ties and the impact of duration on performance. I draw on network analysis and the resources-based view to examine this area and propose a conceptual model that depicts the variables and mediating factors for INV performance. The model explains how INVs acquire, manage and exploit ties to achieve superior performance. I argue that resource-constrained INVs can minimize their investment of time and capital, and maximize the economic effect of ties, by using briefer time periods and short-term projects. I also propose that INVs adopt a 'hedging' or portfolio approach to managing ties, by collecting larger number of prospects to reduce uncertainty. The model and propositions contribute to the body of literature in network analysis and INVs. The paper highlights implications for research and practice.