THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL NETWORK USAGE TOWARDS INTERNATIONALIZATION OF TANZANIAN SMEs

The study aimed to assess the Influence of Social Networks Usage Toward Internationalization of Tanzanian SMEs. Three specific objectives guided the researcher during the study; first, to identify the nature of social networks used by the SMEs in Tanzania, the second was to determine how social networks assist in acquiring necessary information about international markets and the last was to find out if social networks reduce barriers to entry in international markets. Various literatures explaining the subject matter of the study are examined and discussed. The findings of this study were generalized based on the questionnaires and observation. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in the study. According to the findings the nature of social networks used by the SMEs were Facebook, Instagram and somewhat YouTube, Linkedln, WhatsApp and Twitter, for the access to international market information. Most of the SMEs were found to use social networks to acquire information such as business opportunities, information about potential international partners, market information and advertisement. Lastly for barriers to enter in the international markets social networks were found to reduce technical difficulties on aspects of costs, government regulations, distance and culture. Finally, the researcher proposes several recommendations for the SME’s, other institutions and the government. The researcher recommended on, better understanding of the managers on the importance of social networks in internationalization process, introduction of courses on social networks, advertising in colleges and universities and support of the government.