The ego-networks of female international entrepreneurs: a mixed-methods study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Recent studies have attested to both the gradual rise in the numbers of female entrepreneurs operating in foreign markets and an important enabling role of networks in the internationalization process. However, despite these developments, the actual characteristics of female international entrepreneurial networks and how these different constituent properties have been leveraged as part of the internationalization process is less well understood. This article contributes to this gap in knowledge by decomposing the networks of female international entrepreneurs into structural and relational components using ego-network analysis, prior to examining how these different components were instrumental in facilitating international expansion. Our study involves eight female international entrepreneurs in the fashion industry from Denmark. Findings from this mixed-methods study show that female international entrepreneurs typically have small, dense, and homogeneous network structures, with strong ties, reciprocity, and trust. Furthermore, intra-industry contacts were mobilized considerably more that affective networks, while many network ties were not leveraged to expand internationally.