Abstract
Based on a qualitative study, this paper aims to develop an understanding of the role of trust in SME internationalisation in West Africa. To date, most of the literature on trust and SME internationalisation reveals a paucity of studies on how trust enables internationalisation networks in West African SMEs.
This paper attempts to address this gap by examining a range of indigenous institutions and trust-based relationships that have evolved. This is important as it identifies the alternative informal institutions that facilitate SME trust development, networking and internationalisation in the context of weak formal institutions. We contribute to the literature by establishing the role of trust in overcoming the internationalisation barriers of SMEs in Nigeria and Ghana.
This paper attempts to address this gap by examining a range of indigenous institutions and trust-based relationships that have evolved. This is important as it identifies the alternative informal institutions that facilitate SME trust development, networking and internationalisation in the context of weak formal institutions. We contribute to the literature by establishing the role of trust in overcoming the internationalisation barriers of SMEs in Nigeria and Ghana.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 2019 Academy of International Business Africa Conference |
| Subtitle of host publication | Sustainable Development of Africa: Trade not Aid |
| Editors | Theresa Onaji-Benson |
| Place of Publication | Kumaso, Ghana |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780620853149 |
| Publication status | Published - 5 Aug 2019 |
| Event | Academy of International Business Africa Conference: Sustainable Development of Africa: Trade Not Aid - Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana Duration: 4 Aug 2019 → 7 Aug 2019 |
Conference
| Conference | Academy of International Business Africa Conference |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Ghana |
| City | Kumasi |
| Period | 4/08/19 → 7/08/19 |