Roles of Networks and Social Capital in the Success of International Entrepreneurs: Case of the Chinese Merchants in Senegal

Abstract

The objective of this article is to understand and explain how international entrepreneurs, and mainly the Chinese merchants residing in Senegal, are organized within the framework of a network of relationships to cope with the hostility of local counterparts. Its contribution is to highlight the role of networks and social capital in the success of business.

Indeed, the survey we conducted from the members of the Chinese merchants community in Senegal and other stakeholders of this sector (associations, trade unions ...), the analysis of the role of a network of business relationships in this market, evolving and changing, helps us underline the following results:

- Chinese traders show a particular interest in belonging to a network of support and solidarity among members;   

- Relationships that are maintained allow access to relevant information via the deliberations that take place;  

- Survival of the association and relevance of exchanges are based on trust between the members who believe in its founding principles.