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The relationship formation paths of international entrepreneurs

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  • Thor Sigfusson
  • Simon Harris

Abstract

The study of entrepreneurs’ relationships and their influence of firm development has been dominated by static analysis that typically discriminates dichotomously between ‘weak’ and ‘strong’. Little is known about other qualities of international entrepreneurs’ (IEs’) relationships and the paths that are followed in their formation. We employ a Multi-grounded Theorizing theory-building approach with ten IE cases in Iceland and Scotland to develop a descriptive framework that includes many types of relationship paths of relationship formation. This multi-dimensional relationship model usefully develops from conceptual foundations from entrepreneurship to an international setting. The richer picture of IEs’ relationships provided highlights the importance of weak relationships with embeddedness and commitment characteristics, and the path of development from low trust to high. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2012

Suggested Citation

  • Thor Sigfusson & Simon Harris, 2012. "The relationship formation paths of international entrepreneurs," Journal of International Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 10(4), pages 325-349, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jinten:v:10:y:2012:i:4:p:325-349
    DOI: 10.1007/s10843-012-0095-4
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    Cited by:

    1. Bembom, Michael & Schwens, Christian, 2018. "The role of networks in early internationalizing firms: A systematic review and future research agenda," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 36(6), pages 679-694.
    2. Carmen Virues & Maria Velez & Jose M. Sanchez, 2019. "Signaling Trustworthiness to Stakeholders: International vs. Domestic Entrepreneurs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-22, April.
    3. Yákara Vasconcelos Pereira Leite & Walter Fernando Araújo Moraes & Viviane Santos Salazar, 2016. "Expressions of Relationship Networking in International Entrepreneurship," Journal of International Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 14(2), pages 213-238, June.
    4. Hélène Laurell & Leona Achtenhagen & Svante Andersson, 2017. "The changing role of network ties and critical capabilities in an international new venture’s early development," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 13(1), pages 113-140, March.
    5. Hélène Laurell & Svante Andersson & Leona Achtenhagen, 2013. "The importance of industry context for new venture internationalisation: A case study from the life sciences," Journal of International Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 11(4), pages 297-319, December.

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