...Sylvaine Castellano; Olga Ivanova Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explain how small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) in transition environments overcome the liability of origin to gain their legitimacy in a global context. Design/methodology/approach Through semi-structured face...

... by interdependent relationships in a wider network context characterised by commitment and trust, leading to increased legitimacy among the actors involved. Practical implications – Managers need to invest in relationships not only with business counterparts but also with non-business actors...