The dynamics of internationalization of the manufacturing industry in China a case study how networks affect SMEs' global strategies

Rieckmann, Jens; Wan, Hui; Meng, Fang

doi:10.1109/ieis.2017.8078620

Cited by 5 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 40 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…GER-IT limited its business strategy to the domestic market. The existing network relationships were used predominantly unknowingly; this finding is similar to other studies [15]. All firms continued their expansion with DE and did not move towards an entry mode with higher financial risk and commitment.…”

Section: Comparison and Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

“…Many dimensions are influenced by network relationships, e.g. initial motivation, market selection, entry mode choice, access to host market knowledge, and building credibility and trust [15]. Many of them are situated at the pre-phase of the internationalization process.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Research Gaps and Questions. Many studies from the past follow a typical research pattern based on qualitative and quantitative study methods [15]. The theoretical framework for studies that focus on the influence by networks and social capital is formed by the network approach, the social capital theory or the stage model [16].…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In general it is shown that SMEs often are not sufficiently aware of the influence of social capital during their internationalization. The SME executives do not know enough about the potential of social capital to enter foreign markets successfully, to influence the pace, performance and pattern or to minimize the risks and to lower costs during the internationalization process by way of example [14,15]. This study will also contribute a practical part.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

An Intercultural Comparison of the Internationalization Strategy Between China and Germany—A Case Study How Networks Influence the International Strategies of SMEs

Rieckmann¹,

Niu²,

Meng³

2017

dtssehs

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Research that deals with the internationalization strategies of MNEs (multinational enterprises) but also SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) stays popular. The increasing number of publications still leaves many worth knowing research gaps and unanswered questions. SMEs and MNEs act different in the internationalization process because of their different available resources. SMEs need special attention because in every economy the big number of SMEscompared to the small number of MNEsplays a very important role. It is shown that networks are important for SMEs during their internationalization process. This study takes a closer look at the internationalization of SMEs from the IT (information technology) and manufacturing industry and compares the global strategies in different steps of the internationalization (pre-phase to post-phase). The focus during this process is kept on the network activities because of its unique characteristic to compensate the limitations of SMEs. Based on the network approach this study uses a multiple case-study method to explore the strategy development, changes and realization of SMEs in China and Germany. The results of this study point out differences during the internationalization process and the significant role of networks during that process.

show abstract

Section: Comparison and Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%