Human and social capital interplay among internationalizing SMEs
Journal of Knowledge-based Innovation in China
ISSN: 1756-1418
Article publication date: 6 April 2010
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide an explanation for foreign small‐ and‐medium‐sized enterprise' (SMEs) internationalization results in China based on human and social capital interactions.
Design/methodology/approach
The results of a qualitative comparative case study drawing on primary (interviews, observations) and secondary data (reports) are reported.
Findings
The paper finds that human capital dimensions interact and influence social capital development for internationalization purposes. Different types of social capital can be developed (domestic or international) with different effects on internationalization. Similarities with Chinese guanxi practices are also established.
Research limitations/implications
The present paper provides a starting‐point for further research in SME internationalization and entrepreneurs' characteristics in China regardless of cultural traits typically invoked: quantitative analysis, extension to a different context of internationalization or use of different descriptors of human and social capital, etc.
Practical implications
The paper highlights the importance for internationalization agents (such as public agencies) to provide not only cultural training but also, above all, personal coaching to develop some international human capital traits (international orientation, international business skills, etc.) and sectoral connections.
Originality/value
The paper extends the traditional culture‐based guanxi paradigm of internationalization in China to a social capital based approach of emerging entrepreneurship.
Keywords
Citation
Goxe, F. (2010), "Human and social capital interplay among internationalizing SMEs", Journal of Knowledge-based Innovation in China, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 73-88. https://doi.org/10.1108/17561411011031990
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited