Top managers networking influence on competitive intelligence practices: the case of Hi-Tech SMBs

This paper aims at studying and measuring the influence of SMEs ' top decision makers ' social capital on competitive intelligence practices. To do so, a literature review of both competitive intelligence and social capital fields led us to construct a conceptual model based on four hypotheses. Methodological details of the test model using a PLS approach are outlined Data from 193 questionnaires filled out by high-tech French SMEs, are analysed through a PLS regression. A re-sampling procedure with the construct level change option and 250 re-samples is run. The results provide support for the four hypotheses and so contribute toward improving efficiency of competitive intelligence practices in four fields.