Examining the differences in entrepreneurial networking across European Union

• Main Authors: Ozaist, Martyna, Cygarnik, Andrea
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Högskolan i Gävle, Avdelningen för ekonomi 2015
• Subjects: Business networking; internationalization of business network; networking motivations; trust building; network type preferences; network contextualism and universalism
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-18885

ABSTRACT Aim of the study: This study aims to contribute to the existing knowledge on similarities and differences of networking styles across Europe and support either network contextualists or universalists with new empirical knowledge. Method used: A multiple case study was used in this paper. Qualitative data was gathered gathering from 10 interviews collected amongst experienced Swedish, Polish and Dutch entrepreneurs. Findings: Empirical findings have revealed significant differences in the networking patterns in the Netherlands, Sweden and Poland. Main networking motivation for Dutch entrepreneurs is seeking new sales opportunities, for Swedish it is the exchange of knowledge and information. All the entrepreneurs admitted that trust is an important component of network relationship. However, in Sweden trust seem to play more significant role. The empirical findings questioned the theory that trust can be easily transferred based on recommendations. No entrepreneur directly suggested that asked about trust acquisition. In Sweden informal networks are strongly preferred, while in the Netherlands formal network are much more popular. In Poland informal networks are also more popular. In the Netherlands, commercial, paid organizations may be extremely popular given the fact that all of the Dutch respondents participate in them, on the other hand in Sweden governmental networking organizations are quite common, in Poland no respondent have mentioned neither of them. Findings indicate that networking is still not as developed in Poland as it is in two other researched countries. Practical Implications: Common networking patterns cannot be expected in different European countries and background studies should be conducted before entering foreign market. There is still market growth opportunity for commercial networking organizations in Poland. Polish government should engage in more effective promotion of networking amongst entrepreneurs. Contribution: Empirical data confirm the contextualists approach that emphasizes the importance of national differences on networking and warns managers that resemblance of certain patterns cannot be assumed for different countries. This approach was confirmed since the findings exposed significant differences in several areas of networking. Keywords: Business networking, internationalization of business network, networking motivations, trust building, network type preferences, network contextualism and universalism.