Small firm networking: an insight into outcomes and motivating factors

Despite significant research interest in small firm networks, gaps continue to exist in knowledge and understanding about the concept of a network and its relationship with small firms. This article seeks to build upon extant research by discussing some of the findings to emerge from a qualitative study of small firm networks. The findings presented concentrate on the contents found to exist across the social networks in which six small service firms are embedded. Discussion of these reveal the multiplexity of network relationships and emphasize the informal nature of small firm networking processes. In particular, discussion provides some insight into what motivates small firms to engage in networking and identifies areas for future research.