Network Analysis In An International Entrepreneurial Environment

Abstract

Most of us have experienced the “small world” phenomenon; you meet a stranger while traveling or waiting in a queue, for example, and begin to discuss where you are from, what type of work you do, or why you are at this certain location. Surprisingly, you and the stranger discover you both know the same person, possibly from your hometown, academic department, or children's school. You both remark “what a small world” and then go on your way. Small worlds are just one example of social networks, or how individuals know one another. Social scientists have been interested in this phenomenon since the 1930s and have developed network analysis tools to gain an understanding of how social networks are formed and evolve. These methods have improved significantly over the past 15 years and may provide an informative lens through which to investigate international entrepreneurship (IE).

Citation

Godesiabois, J. (2005), "Network Analysis In An International Entrepreneurial Environment", Shepherd, D.A. and Katz, J.A. (Ed.) International Entrepreneurship (Advances in Entrepreneurship, Firm Emergence and Growth, Vol. 8), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 137-164. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1074-7540(05)08006-2