Does size matter?

Baltic Journal of Management - 2010
AlexKouznetsov1, MohanDass2
1Business and Informatics, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
2School of Business and Enterprise, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia

Tóm tắt

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore areas where business corruption in Russia affects distributors of foreign goods (both local and foreign owned) and whether its effects vary depending on whether the distributor is small or large.Design/methodology/approachThe paper primarily employs a qualitative research technique of face‐to‐face interviews. The in‐depth semi‐structured interview method is chosen because it is the only option for collecting data on such a sensitive topic.FindingsThe findings reveal the areas of corruption where distributors of foreign goods in Russia are most likely to be affected and suggest that, though widespread in Russia, corruption may have far greater effect on smaller distributors as compared to large firms. Large distributing firms can avoid involvement in corruption in some of the areas explored. This in turn may limit small‐sized foreign manufacturers' capability to compete in this market, as they are most likely only able to contact small‐sized distributors.Research limitations/implicationsThe research could be extended to a broader sample of other sectors of the economy where distribution of foreign‐made goods takes place. Carrying out a study in other emerging economies to test findings of this research would also contribute to the limited body of research on business environment in emerging economies.Originality/valueThe paper presents findings that are based on primary sources – interviews with distributors conducting business in Russia. Hence, its originality and value to contemporary distributors, whether currently in business or conducting feasibility studies to distribute foreign goods in Russia. This research paper can also be considered a valuable platform for further research in this field.

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