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Article
Publication date: 8 May 2018

Yassine Sefiani, Barry J. Davies, Robin Bown and Neilson Kite

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of networking on business performance by uncovering particular and significant methods of pursuing business connections, for…

424

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of networking on business performance by uncovering particular and significant methods of pursuing business connections, for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Tangier.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage design, which incorporated both quantitative and qualitative approaches, was employed in this study. Approaches were employed in succession with the findings from the quantitative phase informing the qualitative phase. Initially, a paper and online survey questionnaire was administered to a population of 365 industrial SMEs to gain some insights on the perceptions of owner-managers of the impact of networking on business performance. Following the quantitative phase, 15 in-depth face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with selected owner-managers of SMEs, forming a judgmental selection, to explore their experiences, beliefs, and attitudes with respect to networking factor.

Findings

Both quantitative and qualitative phases of the study found that networking was a significant factor in influencing the success of SMEs. The concept of wasta, the Arabic word for connections, emerged from the qualitative phase. Findings show that using wasta, through politico-business networks is important since it enables access to current information that is crucial for the success of SMEs. The concept of wasta was also mentioned in relation to financial resources and suppliers. Findings revealed that strong relationships with suppliers enable firms to get financial resources in the form of trade credits. Furthermore, the relationship between wasta and human resources was also revealed. Findings showed that owner-managers use their network relations through wasta in order to recruit their staff.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study add to the understanding of networking in Arabic countries with the importance of wasta in an economy that functions on relationships. The findings of this study could therefore be useful to international managers to assist their intercultural effectiveness by adjusting to culture-specific networking in Tangier.

Originality/value

This study is among those few studies located in the Middle East North Africa region that explore the performance of SMEs from the perceptions of owner-managers themselves, and not based on aggregate or economic data. It supports previous findings of several studies and contributes additional evidence that suggests the significance of wasta and its impact on SME success.

Details

EuroMed Journal of Business, vol. 13 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1450-2194

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Available. Content available
741

Abstract

Details

Industrial and Commercial Training, vol. 42 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0019-7858

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Article
Publication date: 1 May 1982

Library managers are becoming increasingly concerned about document delivery systems because the means to identify and locate materials has improved faster than the ability to…

33

Abstract

Library managers are becoming increasingly concerned about document delivery systems because the means to identify and locate materials has improved faster than the ability to provide the materials and because a cut‐back in library budgets is forcing libraries to borrow or obtain more material from other sources. A new SPEC kit (no. 82, March 1982) has been produced on document delivery systems in use in the Association of Research Libraries. The September 1981 survey covered two categories of service: internal delivery — disseminating locally‐owned materials to users, and external delivery — acquiring materials from an outside source for local users. Some ninety ARL libraries responded to the survey by providing materials and information describing the methods they employ. These include telefax, requests via electronic mail and OCLC's interlibrary loan subsystem and online ordering from data‐bases. SPEC kit #82 contains twenty‐six documents, (101 pages) and is available for $15 (prepaid) from Systems and Procedures Exchange Center, OMS/ARL, 1527 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington DC 20036, USA.

Details

Online Review, vol. 6 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-314X

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Article
Publication date: 1 October 1983

Online developments ‐ Two new online services show the continuing onward march of this method of access to certain types of information for traders and investors.

12

Abstract

Online developments ‐ Two new online services show the continuing onward march of this method of access to certain types of information for traders and investors.

Details

New Library World, vol. 84 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

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Article
Publication date: 1 November 1983

Computer cockups ‐ Last year had my name keyed up on LA'S new membership computer which immediately responded verdantly, ‘This member does not exist’. Incipient paranoia dispelled…

14

Abstract

Computer cockups ‐ Last year had my name keyed up on LA'S new membership computer which immediately responded verdantly, ‘This member does not exist’. Incipient paranoia dispelled by silent intoning of ‘I think, therefore I am … I think’. Further consolation in that the silly thing said LA President‐elect didn't exist either.

Details

New Library World, vol. 84 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

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Article
Publication date: 1 February 1983

The Norsk Senter for Informatikk A/S (NSI) recently became a privately‐owned limited company. The main shareholders are the Bergens Tidende, Fabritius, IDA (a consortium of three…

28

Abstract

The Norsk Senter for Informatikk A/S (NSI) recently became a privately‐owned limited company. The main shareholders are the Bergens Tidende, Fabritius, IDA (a consortium of three banks), NTNF, Kunnskapsfor‐laget and twenty‐nine of the thirty‐four NSI staff members. Among its new projects will be a videotex network between Oslo and Bergen so that users in Oslo can use the Bergens Tidende videotex service bureau. Under the reorganisation NSI will place more emphasis on being an umbrella IP, on the establishment of closed user groups and development of hardware and software.

Details

Online Review, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-314X

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Book part
Publication date: 13 August 2018

Robert L. Dipboye

Abstract

Details

The Emerald Review of Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78743-786-9

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