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Small Firms Internationalization: Reducing The Psychic Distance Using Social Networks

Author

Listed:
  • Laurent Arnone
  • Elodie Deprince

Abstract

This article investigates the role of social networking sites in the internationalization of small businesses. More specifically, we explore the effect social networks have on the level of psychic distance and how these new tools are used in order to reduce the perceived risk and strengthen business relationships. The multiple case study based on a two-year observation period shows that, besides their cost advantage in terms of advertising and communication, social networks support crucial marketing efforts such as the identification of new business opportunities and foster the development of professional and personal relationships with foreign partners. In turn, these tools facilitate and sometimes, accelerate, the internationalization of small businesses by lowering the perceived risks and the psychic distance characterizing new foreign markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Laurent Arnone & Elodie Deprince, 2016. "Small Firms Internationalization: Reducing The Psychic Distance Using Social Networks," Global Journal of Business Research, The Institute for Business and Finance Research, vol. 10(1), pages 55-63.
    • Handle: RePEc:ibf:gjbres:v:10:y:2016:i:1:p:55-63
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Alice Mazzucchelli & Roberto Chierici & Angelo Di Gregorio & Claudio Chiacchierini, 2021. "Is Facebook an effective tool to access foreign markets? Evidence from international export performance of fashion firms," Journal of Management & Governance, Springer;Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), vol. 25(4), pages 1107-1144, December.
    2. Lee, Jeoung Yul & Yang, Young Soo & Ghauri, Pervez N. & Park, Byung Il, 2022. "The Impact of Social Media and Digital Platforms Experience on SME International Orientation: The Moderating Role of COVID-19 Pandemic," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 28(4).
    3. Martina Aronica & Rubinia Celeste Bonfanti & Davide Piacentino, 2021. "Social media adoption in Italian firms. Opportunities and challenges for lagging regions," Papers in Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 100(4), pages 959-978, August.
    4. Alarcón-del-Amo, María-del-Carmen & Rialp-Criado, Alex & Rialp-Criado, Josep, 2018. "Examining the impact of managerial involvement with social media on exporting firm performance," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(2), pages 355-366.
    5. Almeida Fernando & Santos José Duarte, 2020. "The Role of Social Networks in the Internationalisation of Startups: LinkedIn in Portuguese Context," Management & Marketing, Sciendo, vol. 15(3), pages 345-363, September.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Small Businesses; Social Networks; Relationships; Internationalization; Case Study; Psychic Distance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M30 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Marketing and Advertising - - - General

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