The impact of social networking sites on psychic distance perceived by SMEs
This article focuses on the use of digital tools by SMEs in the context of their internationalization. The authors examine the influence of social networking sites on the psychic distance that is perceived by companies. The empirical study is based on a survey of 268 Belgian SMEs. The results show that social networking sites help to reduce psychic distance when they are used to develop knowledge on foreign markets, to prospect and acquire new customers and to monitor international competitors. Conversely, the use of social networking sites to identify international partners does not influence the perception of psychic distance by SMEs.