NETWORK BENEFITS AND NETWORKING INTENTION OF SMES: INVESTIGATING THE MODERATING ROLE OF NETWORK COMPETENCE

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the moderating role of network competence in the relationship between the network benefits and the networking intention of 183 SMEs located in the industrial zone of Shiraz city in Iran.  This research data is collected using a questionnaire that involve three parts including the network competence questionnaire proposed by Ritter and Gemünden, the networks’ benefits’ questionnaire designed based on Jarrett’s model, and finally  the networking intention’s questionnaire designed based on the related literature. SmartPLS 3 is used in order to analyze collected data based on the partial least squares method. Findings show that firms’ perception of network benefits influence the intention of SMEs to join inter-organizational networks. The network competence impacts the firms’ perception of network benefits and their networking intention.  The relational competence of firms has a moderating role in the relationship between the firms’ perception of network benefits and their networking intention.

Keywords: Network benefits, networking intention, SME, network competence