Title: Social Capital Theory and the internationalisation process of Czech SMEs

Authors: David Pollard, Maria Jemicz

Addresses: Leeds Business School, Leeds Metropolitan University, Headingley Campus, Leeds LS6 3QS, UK. ' Leeds Business School, Leeds Metropolitan University, Headingley Campus, Leeds LS6 3QS, UK

Abstract: The process and rate of internationalisation of Czech SMEs has recently been affected through the country|s accession to the EU. It seems appropriate, therefore, to re-assess the internationalisation processes of Czech SMEs and potential barriers to their entering foreign markets. The aims of this conceptual paper are two-fold; the first is to critically examine the relevant literature regarding the internationalisation process of SMEs in transformation economies in general and the Czech Republic in particular. Secondly, this paper contributes to the SME internationalisation debate by arguing for the inclusion of a Social Capital Theory (SCT) perspective.

Keywords: SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises; SCT; social capital theory; internationalisation; transformation economies; Czech Republic; developing economies; emerging economies; business research; EU; European Union; foreign markets.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEBR.2010.032293

International Journal of Economics and Business Research, 2010 Vol.2 No.3/4, pp.210 - 229

Published online: 29 Mar 2010 *

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