The Effect of Networks on Internationalization: Do Family Firms Benefit More?

This chapter investigates the relationship between inter-firm networks, firm ownership, and export-based internationalization. More specifically, the study examines the influence of the use of networks for internationalization on export performance, focusing on the moderating role of family ownership in this relationship. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to examine the individual and joint effects of networks and ownership upon internationalization considering the idiosyncratic effects of family ownership. The study focuses on Spanish manufacturing companies, distinguishing between family and non-family firms, over the period 2008–2017. The final sample consists of an unbalanced panel data of 1596 companies. A Panel Corrected Standard Errors (PCSE) model was used to undertake the analysis. The results confirm the importance of firm ownership in further availing of the international opportunities resulting from internationalization networks. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by presenting new empirical evidence concerning an understudied topic.