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Social networks and speed of new venture internationalization during institutional transition: A conceptual model

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Abstract

This paper examines the role of social networks in the internationalization process of new ventures in the context of transition economies. We introduce a conceptual model in which the relationship between various dimensions of an entrepreneur’s network and new venture internationalization speed is contingent upon a country’s stage of institutional transition. We theorize that strong national ties and weak international ties, accessible through brokers, contribute to speedier new venture internationalization in contexts characterized by fundamental institutional upheaval. We also theorize that the value of various structural aspects of an entrepreneur’s network changes as transition progresses.

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Acknowledgement

The authors thank Ben Oviatt and participants at the 2007 Babson College Entrepreneurship Research Conference for helpful comments at various stages in the development of this article. We also express thanks to the three anonymous reviewers and Hamid Etemad, the editor, who provided constructive and developmental comments and suggestions that helped us significantly increase the quality of our manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. J. Mack Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University, P.O. BOX 4014, Atlanta, GA, 30303-4014, USA

    Andreea N. Kiss

  2. J. Mack Robinson College of Business, Institute of International Business, Georgia State University, P.O. Box 3989, Atlanta, GA, 30303-3989, USA

    Wade M. Danis

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  1. Andreea N. Kiss
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Correspondence to Andreea N. Kiss.

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Kiss, A.N., Danis, W.M. Social networks and speed of new venture internationalization during institutional transition: A conceptual model. J Int Entrep 8, 273–287 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10843-010-0051-0

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