How Nordic companies in Nigeria respond to host-country risks: a network theory approach
by Agnieszka Chwialkowska; Isau Ganiyu
International Journal of Export Marketing (IJEXPORTM), Vol. 1, No. 3, 2017

Abstract: Kidnappings by Boko Haram, the destruction caused by the Niger-Delta militancy, and attacks by Omo Onile do not paint Nigeria as a welcoming host country for your next international project. However, despite these turbulences, international business in Nigeria is thriving. This paper investigates how project marketers deal with the country's uncertainties. Through multiple case study, it analyses the risk management behaviours of Nordic companies operating in this key African market. Drawing from the network theory, we analyse the nature of the host-country risks. We then show that international project managers harness local networks to identify, evaluate and manage risks, as well as link different risks to specific strategic responses. This paper contributes to the project management literature by expanding the existing risk management typologies to the context of international projects, and elaborates on the risks prevalent in the emerging developing economies. We disclose the role of technological leadership and organisational leadership in influencing the Nigerian business environment rather than solely avoiding the corruption-prone projects. We show that exerting leadership is possible by maintaining corporate culture governed by the rules of the home country, even when the company localises its operations through employing host-country natives. This combined approach mitigates the negative risk of the psychic distance, while assuring the transparency of company operations.

Online publication date: Wed, 26-Jul-2017

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Export Marketing (IJEXPORTM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com