Heterogeneous networks and resource acquisition of SMEs in emerging economies

It is acknowledged that social capital plays an important role in the growth of entrepreneurial firms. However, few studies have examined the contribution and function of social capital networks that contain structural holes (heterogeneous networks) in emerging economies. It is not clear how trustworthiness and behavioural commitment impact on effectiveness of these networks in obtaining resources. This study explores how heterogeneous networks characterize successful entrepreneurship of small-medium enterprises in such setting. We find that behavioural commitment moderates the relationship between heterogeneous networks and resource acquisition, while trustworthiness does not significantly moderate this relationship. The impact of the findings on the literature and practice in emerging economies is discussed, as is the need for future research in this domain.