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Networking of Family Firms going International with different entry modes
Jönköping University, Jönköping International Business School.
Jönköping University, Jönköping International Business School.
2018 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
Abstract [en]

Problem: Networking in the context of various entry strategies is a relatively unexplored field in the domain of internationalization theory. Contrasting opinion regarding the role of networking on the mode of entry has been discussed by different authors. Further knowledge gap remains on how the role of networking might differ in case of various mode of market entry among family firms. This leads to the research question of this thesis: How does networking differs among family firms going international through various entry modes?Purpose: The purpose of this research paper is to focus on two themes that are recurrent in the discourse of Family Firm Internationalization which is networking and the market entry mode strategies that are chosen by family firms to enter the international markets. The goal of this research is to investigate how networking differs among four separate family firms that have used four different entry modes: exporting, joint venture, wholly owned subsidiary and franchising. To be more specific this research will try to show the influence of networking on the entry mode strategies of family firms going international. Furthermore, this paper aims to explore and add new knowledge on how family firms network during an internationalization.Method: This paper investigates four family owned companies using a case study strategy in which six respondents have been interviewed. The nature of the interview was semi structured. Additionally, secondary data have been collected from the companies’ websites. The empirical findings were categorized into three categories of variables which are networking relationship, networking ties and networking activities. Then the companies were cross-analyzed to reveal how these networking function in case of the four companies.Conclusions: The findings of the analysis are that trust is imperative in building relationship. Further the past records and reputation of the network actors play an important role for the family firm to decide if they want to establish a relationship. Family firms usually prefers to cement strong ties with network actors before internationalizing. Family firms most often choses proactivity when it comes to internationalization, however they are most likely to be proactive if some external event affects their businesses which might be threatening. Bigger family firms usually use inter-organizational relationships for networking, they further strengthen the network relations by being more interpersonal. This also allows them to retain some control abroad and avoid uncertainty. In case of smaller family firms, they mostly rely on interpersonal relationship.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2018. , p. 65
Keywords [en]
Networking, Entry mode, Family firm, Internationalization
National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-40039ISRN: JU-IHH-FÖA-2-20180749OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hj-40039DiVA, id: diva2:1215790
Subject / course
JIBS, Business Administration
Supervisors
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Available from: 2018-07-12 Created: 2018-06-09 Last updated: 2018-07-12Bibliographically approved

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