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Risk management capability building in SMEs: a social capital perspective

Gao, Simon S; Sung, Ming C; Zhang, Jane

Authors

Ming C Sung

Jane Zhang



Abstract

This article addresses the under-researched issue of risk management (RM) and risk management capability building in small and medium sized enterprise (SMEs). It draws upon theories of social capital to explain enablers and obstacles for RM capability building and practice sharing in a small and medium-sized construction enterprise in China. Two related propositions are made: first, RM capability is built by SMEs without formal structures and knowledge; and second, such firms are more likely to adopt informal processes to develop RM capability. The article concludes that the role of cognitive capital is the most important for the RM capability building of SMEs and that cognitive capital plays a crucial role in accumulating structural and relational capital. It proposes a model of cognitive capital-based RM capability building in which integrates communication, knowledge, relationship and learning.

Citation

Gao, S. S., Sung, M. C., & Zhang, J. (2012). Risk management capability building in SMEs: a social capital perspective. International Small Business Journal, 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1177/0266242611431094

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date 2012
Deposit Date Jun 14, 2012
Print ISSN 0266-2426
Electronic ISSN 1741-2870
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Pages 1-24
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/0266242611431094
Keywords Capability building; China; risk management; SMEs; social capital
Public URL http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/5398
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0266242611431094