Differences Between Networked and Non-Networked Retailers

Abstract

<p>The premise of business networking is that there is more to gain in sharing or cooperating than in competing as individual businesses. More formalized business networks, defined as groups of businesses joined together with articulated leadership structure and bylaws and/or contracts, have had positive impacts on small business owners’ goal achievement (Miller & Besser, 2005). The potential benefits of formal business networking may be particularly relevant to small independent retailers in small sized communities who are vulnerable to inadequate resources and narrow market shares.</p>