Networks alliances as strategy: A case study of an SME in an emerging economy

Abstract

This study adopts a qualitative approach to examine key factors to build successful network alliances in emerging economies. A market leader firm in the retail optical industry in China was used in this study. Data from interviews was collected from senior management of the firm, suppliers and customers in relation to effective strategies and factors for successful network alliances. The result in this study showed that relationship management and knowledge sharing management had the highest impact on effective network alliances. That is, trust, relationship and knowledge sharing play a dominant role.