An Empirical Study on the Relationship Between Entrepreneur's Social Network and Entrepreneurial Performance: The Case of the Chinese IT Industry

Abstract

The paper used data from the Chinese IT industry to test the effects of a mediator over the relationship between entrepreneurial social network and entrepreneurial performance. Results showed that entrepreneurs’ social network size was the predictor in entrepreneurial self-efficacy, which in turn, results in better entrepreneurial performance. Results also showed that the relationship between entrepreneurial social network and entrepreneurial self-efficacy was moderated by entrepreneurial stage and experience. Implications of the findings for researchers and practitioners are presented.