Mobile phones and business networks among Malaysian micro and small enterprises: A comparative network approach

Malaysia has experienced significant economic growth, and mobile telephony has now reached a large majority of the population. This paper explores how different types of Malaysian micro and small enterprises use the mobile phone to sustain and support their work relations. This study is a comparative case study, combining personal qualitative interviews with a quantitative study of individual call patterns. Findings show that the mobile phone serves as the most frequently used media and communication tool for both managers and employees within the retail, farming, and professional sectors; and that the popularity of the hand phone goes beyond business sector boundaries. The study reveals the gaps that exist between employees and managers in different business areas. Insights on how mobile communication technology influences relationships and social networks are crucial for policymakers who intend to improve the efficiency and livelihood of the micro and small enterprises. © 2014 by De La Salle University Publishing House.