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Journal of International Entrepreneurship

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22-08-2019

The emergence process of an international network of SMEs and the evolution of the leader’s role

Published in: Journal of International Entrepreneurship | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

This research focuses on the evolution of the leader’s role in the emergence of an international network of SMEs. A longitudinal study was conducted among SMEs wishing to develop an international network in Tunisia. A number of SME managers among with some collaborators and partners involved in the project were interviewed. The study reveals the evolution of a leader’s entrepreneurial competencies as this network evolves along several stages. Three key stages have been highlighted: identifying an opportunity for an international network driven by a visionary leader whose main characteristic is curiosity; assessing the opportunity, based on a consolidating leader whose main characteristic is leadership; and exploiting the opportunity, requiring a federating leader whose main characteristic is empathy. A process makes it possible to identify the evolution of competencies, highlighting 3 key characteristics: curiosity, leadership and empathy mobilized throughout the emergence of this network.

previous article Why do some SMEs engage in joint internationalisation and others do not? Exploring the role of mental images in collective international opportunity recognition

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Title: The emergence process of an international network of SMEs and the evolution of the leader’s role
Publication date: 22-08-2019
Published in: Journal of International Entrepreneurship / Issue 1/2020
Print ISSN: 1570-7385
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7349
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10843-019-00258-z

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Why do some SMEs engage in joint internationalisation and others do not? Exploring the role of mental images in collective international opportunity recognition