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Influence of social network structure on entrepreneurship participation—A study of 20 national cultures

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Abstract

By investigating differences in social networks among entrepreneurs in 20 cultures, this paper contributes to the debate on whether there is universality in the process of entrepreneurial networking. Representative samples of entrepreneurs were identified in the same manner in 20 countries from 2000 to 2004 (N = 304,560). The sampling methodologies and the questions asked were similar across all countries. Logistic regression was used to test for significant regional interaction effects involving personally knowing an entrepreneur. Results are contrary to the existence of any mono-dimensional form of networking practice but do strongly support the existence of both variform universality (culture moderates the importance of networking) and functional universality (cultural similarities in networking practice exist).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Entrepreneurship and Relationship Management, University of Southern Denmark, Engstien 1, 6000, Kolding, Denmark

    Kim Klyver

  2. Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University of Technology, 50 Wakefield Street, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia

    Kevin Hindle

  3. Faculty of Life and Social Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, PO Box 218 John Street, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia

    Denny Meyer

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  1. Kim Klyver
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  2. Kevin Hindle
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  3. Denny Meyer
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Correspondence to Kim Klyver.

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Klyver, K., Hindle, K. & Meyer, D. Influence of social network structure on entrepreneurship participation—A study of 20 national cultures. Int Entrep Manage J 4, 331–347 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-007-0053-0

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