Investigating the influence of external networks on internationalization success of firms

This survey explores the impact of external networks on the internationalization success of firms. Information for this study was collected from empirical studies that argued the significant role of external networks in beginning exports, gathering knowledge of international markets, and entering to overseas, in turn, enhances firm's performance. This paper is a conceptual survey that investigates a variety of books and papers, several studies, results of sixteen empirical researches, case studies, conceptual research and other related studies. The results of this study have showed that external network has positive impact on the internationalization of firms. Empirical context of this study needs to iterate and the implications of this survey offer the outlook of different links between firms and external networks to facilitate internationalizing firms for promoting firm's performance. The results serve international trade managers to consider external network as a suitable way for the internationalization success of firms. It contributes to the relationship and international marketing knowledge and it is useful for export managers, professionals, entrepreneurs and agencies. The results support the government's export programs for the internationalization of firms and can also help policymakers to rethink the ways to enhance international performance. This paper has made a layout and improves theoretical literature in external networks. These networks, as a net of personal and organizational relationship with external members for social or economic aims, assist a firm to increase information, knowledge and decrease transaction costs to enhance international business performance. The results of review made more sense of external network which prompts the scholars to extensive investigation.