Ethnic networks are made of interpersonal ties run by a separate set of rules that allow - among other things - to overcome formal and informal barriers and help create inner markets for more competitive exports. After reviewing recent literature, this paper considers the possible evolution of...

This book describes how a deeper knowledge and understanding of cultural differences represents a meaningful and useful tool for management of companies, and in particular SMEs, in the People’s Republic of China. After introductory chapters on the internationalization of SMEs and the role...

The role of Italian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the international economic environment has attracted the attention of many scholars due to the distinctive features of these firms. In particular, their development and longevity paths are critical to a better understanding of the main...

Human resources (HR) face several dilemmas on the international stage. Often, these dilemmas are related to cultural determinants that may deeply affect HR strategies and practices. The main aim of this study is to address the topic of cultural diversity within organisations operating in highly...

The progressive strengthening of economic and political relations in the North-Adriatic area and their gradual formalization encouraged by the new institutional structures of Euro-regions are phenomena of central importance to the actual economic environment of the countries involved. These...

The paper stresses how Italian and Chinese SMEs internationalize according to different approaches. Indeed, in the former case firms may move abroad because they follow the so-called lead firms, that act as a meta-national body, whereas in the latter case SMEs are committed to exports and/or...

This paper examines the structure and the main characteristics of the Chinese banking industry. In particular, the paper analyses the problematic aspects of credit relations of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The SMEs are facing several problems in accessing the bank loans market, dominated...

This paper examines the main characteristics of the Chinese banking industry. In particular, it analyses the main performance indicators of the system together with some prospects of future development. The paper also considers the problems related to high levels of non-performing loans (NPLs)...

The significance of cultural factors in the international economic environment has recently increased thanks to economic, political and social aspects. The role of cultural elements has been emphasized by a wide range of studies, both from the theoretical as well as the empirical point of view....