International networking and knowledge acquisition of Chinese SMEs: the role of global mind-set and international entrepreneurial orientation

Lin, Zhibin; Cao, Xuebing; Cottam, Ed

Abstract

Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasing their international networking and knowledge acquisition activities. This paper attempts to explain this phenomenon by examining the joint influence of leader global mind-set and firms’ international entrepreneurial orientation on those two internationalisation activities. A conceptual model was developed and tested with data from a sample of 208 SMEs in China. The results indicate that both leader global mind-set and firm’s international entrepreneurial orientation have a direct impact on Chinese SMEs’ international networking and knowledge acquisition activities; in addition, leader global mind-set has an indirect effect through the mediation of firms’ international entrepreneurial orientation. The findings of this study provide important theoretical and practical implications.

Citation

Lin, Z., Cao, X., & Cottam, E. (2019). International networking and knowledge acquisition of Chinese SMEs: the role of global mind-set and international entrepreneurial orientation. Entrepreneurship and Regional Development, 32(5-6), 449-465. https://doi.org/10.1080/08985626.2019.1640459

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 6, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Jul 8, 2019
• Publication Date: Jul 8, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: May 26, 2023
• Journal: Entrepreneurship & Regional Development
• Print ISSN: 0898-5626
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 32
• Issue: 5-6
• Pages: 449-465
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08985626.2019.1640459
• Keywords: Global mind-set, international entrepreneurial orientation, social network, knowledge acquisition, Chinese SME
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/412937
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08985626.2019.1640459