Informal Networks in International Business

Informal networks can be both a hindrance and a facilitator for managers in international business. It is important for managers to understand the cultural context in which they operate to maximize the benefits of these networks. This edited volume provides insights into the dynamics, complexities, and ambiguities of informal networks and networking worldwide, helping scholars, students, and managers to develop knowledge about these important aspects of international business.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2022
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

Informal networks can pose significant challenges to the effectiveness of managers. However, they also hold the potential to enable and facilitate business activities, support the efficiency and effectiveness of managerial actions, and contribute to the development of strong societies.

In emerging markets like China and Russia, informal networks are often perceived as tools for instrumentalizing social capital and gaining a relational competitive advantage. However, a different perspective emerges. Informal networks often symbolize sociability and social cohesion, which are essential precursors to a robust society.

The question remains whether multinational enterprises have established processes to identify, control, and manage informal ties and networks. This edited volume aims to contribute to the understanding of informal networks in the international business context. It brings together leading experts who explore novel research themes and extend conventional research paths on informal network phenomena.

The contributions in this volume provide valuable insights for international business scholars, students, and international managers working in globally operating organizations. They help in developing knowledge about the dynamics, complexities, and ambiguities of informal networks and informal networking across the world.

In conclusion, informal networks play a significant role in the international business landscape. While they can present challenges, they also offer opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of strong societies. Understanding the dynamics and complexities of informal networks is crucial for international managers to navigate and leverage them effectively.

Weight: 508g
Dimension: 160 x 239 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839828799