Business associations as social business network facilitators

Abstract

Collaboration in social business networks is instrumental for small businesses in establishing initial business contacts and developing abilities to compete with large companies in domestic and overseas markets. This paper is composed of a short discussion on the influence of social business networks established by nonprofit business associations. Organizational networking alludes to the dynamic collaboration among the engaging entrepreneurs with an aim to improve their performance. Business associations, in this regard, may facilitate networking among the small business owners. However, as Barry & Wilkinson (2011) argue, business associations have not captured the attention of the researchers as a form of coordination among the employ. Moreover, there is little known about the functions of the business organizations since literature often treats them as marginal players. This study, analyzing business associations as network facilitators, attempts to highlight their significant role in social business networking.