Developments in business networks in East Asia

Abstract

Examines three forms of business networking that have been identified within South East Asia: Japanese business networking, Korean business networking and Chinese family business networking. These demonstrate distinct characteristics. The Japanese system is the most well known and is exhibited mainly through the formation of industrial networks. Korean business networking differs in terms of ownership and control with a familial type relationship existing within networks. The Chinese family business network exhibits close links between enterprises that are owned by a single family with foundations of the network based on family, race, religion or profession. Examines these Japanese, Korean and Chinese business networking approaches from the perspective of small to medium‐sized enterprises and highlights some issues relevant to managers.