Paper info

A social media influence framework on the network capabilities of entrepreneurial firms

Conor Drummond, Helen McGrath and Thomas O'Toole

The paper was published at the 33rd IMP-conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2017.

Not available

Given the dearth of literature and research in B2B social media, our paper examines the influence that social media has upon the network capability of entrepreneurial firms. We take a business networks approach and IMP perspective to the research investigation, uncovering the manner in which social media (Facebook and Twitter in this study) have affected the entrepreneurial firm’s ability to connect, engage, interact and collaborate with its B2B network. We use the Irish artisan producer as an empirical base, utilising the case study methodology with a single case firm participant. Our findings suggest that social media has allowed the entrepreneurial firm to overcome specific contextual liabilities through its network, with social media’s immediacy enhancing relationship and network development. This study indicates that social media strengthens the firm’s ability to widen its network horizon and network context, coordinate information and knowledge flows, and engage in collaborative activities with B2B network actors. Furthermore, we posit that social media has become a resource/activity creator in its own right.