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Showing papers in "International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research in 2005"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In an exploratory study, the ability of tolerance for risk, perceived feasibility, and perceived net desirability to predict intentions for self-employment was examined in a sample of 114 undergraduate business students at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Abstract: Purpose – Since the 1950s, organizational psychology research investigating work‐related motivation has progressed from static content models to dynamic process models. Entrepreneurship research has evolved along a similar trajectory, adapting organizational psychology findings to better understand the motivation to become an entrepreneur. This paper reviews motivation research from both fields, explores some of the commonalities among current theories, and presents a new model of entrepreneurial motivation.Design/methodology/approach – In an exploratory study, the ability of tolerance for risk, perceived feasibility, and perceived net desirability to predict intentions for self‐employment is examined in a sample of 114 undergraduate business students at Florida Gulf Coast University.Findings – Results indicated that tolerance for risk, perceived feasibility and net desirability significantly predicted self‐employment intentions, with an adjusted R2 of 0.528.Research limitations/implications – Because the...

934 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
Fang Zhao1
TL;DR: In this article, the complementary nature of entrepreneurship and innovation through an empirical study of various organizations is explored and an integrative framework of the interaction between entrepreneurship and the innovation is developed.
Abstract: Purpose – To contribute to an understanding of the complementary nature of entrepreneurship and innovation through an empirical study of various organisations; and to develop an integrative framework of the interaction between entrepreneurship and innovation.Design/methodology/approach – The study takes a qualitative approach in exploring the synergies between entrepreneurship and innovation and in analysing the factors that foster an interaction between the two. Case studies of six entrepreneurial and innovative organisations and in‐depth interviews with senior managers were conducted to complement a comprehensive literature review of entrepreneurship and innovation.Findings – The study has found that: entrepreneurship and innovation are positively related to each other and interact to help an organisation to flourish; entrepreneurship and innovation are complementary, and a combination of the two is vital to organisational success and sustainability in today's dynamic and changing environment; entrepren...

365 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, an innovative, internet-based methodology was employed to collect the data in the chosen locations and any information gaps or issues requiring further clarification were then addressed via e-mail exchanges with the individual entrepreneur.
Abstract: – There has been increased policy and research interest in the growing number of female entrepreneurs and their potential contribution to both the local and global economy. Nevertheless, the extant literature on female entrepreneurship is often limited to the start‐up phase of business. An important gap in the literature is an enquiry into the development of these female‐owned organisations from inception to maturity, and their growth in domestic and/or international markets. This paper therefore aims to address key themes such as motivation to start‐up, growing the business, gender issues and the challenges faced by these women., – An innovative, internet‐based methodology was employed to collect the data in the chosen locations. Using internet resources such as online media, company web sites and other pertinent sites, a significant volume of information was gathered. Any information gaps or issues requiring further clarification were then addressed via e‐mail exchanges with the individual entrepreneur., – Initial findings demonstrate threads of commonality between female entrepreneurs in different countries. It also highlights differences in the experiences of these women, not only across countries but also within certain countries. A comprehensive discussion of these findings is contained in the paper., – This research has highlighted a number of issues which merit further investigation; however, the issue of social responsibility within this sample of female entrepreneurs would indicate that women have much more socially‐oriented motives for starting and developing a business. The authors would like to investigate this further using qualitative investigation of a larger sample within one country before drawing any definitive conclusions., – Given a limited understanding of such issues mentioned above, this contribution seeks to provide an insight into the heterogeneous experiences of female entrepreneurs using cross‐national data rather than a one‐country study.

235 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a comprehensive summary of the academic literature with regard to risk and its role in the entrepreneurial experience of women is provided, and an overview of the main issues concerning risk and entrepreneurship is given to contexualise the gender aspects to be discussed.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper provides a comprehensive summary of the academic literature with regard to risk and its role in the entrepreneurial experience of women Entrepreneurial risk has an under‐developed conceptual basis and distilling gender‐specific aspects is difficult Various academic disciplines have contributed to the topic of risk, eg economics, and often decision making is used to contextualise the topic Though the literature does not always prove an association between the different facets of risk and entrepreneurship, there is general agreement that a number of factors, eg personal, political and social inter‐relate to influence risk and subsequent behaviourDesign/methodology/approach – Uses a desk‐based approach to data collection An overview of the main issues concerning risk and entrepreneurship is given to contexualise the gender aspects to be discussed, drawing on the extant literatureFindings – The paper posits that an understanding of the gender aspects of risk is required if polic

228 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the particular organizational and managerial determinants of the different aspects of a firm's export development process: intention, propensity, and intensity, and concluded that factors influencing export involvement are not the same along the process of export development.
Abstract: Purpose – To examine the particular organizational and managerial determinants of the different aspects of a firm's export development process: intention, propensity, and intensityDesign/methodology/approach – The study analysed firms' resources and capabilities, managerial characteristics, and managerial attitude and perceptions in a sample of 286 firms in the Spanish wine industry Statistical analyses using SPSS were carried out to confirm or reject eight hypothesesFindings – Results confirmed that factors influencing export involvement are not the same along the process of export developmentResearch limitations/implications – The study is limited to one context, and it is static (cross‐sectional) in naturePractical implications – Implications not only for practitioners (especially, managers), but also for policy makers, are discussedOriginality/value – First, the research has been conducted in Spain, a country for which export development process has not been widely studied Second, three aspects

183 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a conceptual model of business owner networking which is informed by social support theory to advance knowledge about the relationship between small firm networks and social capital by considering the network experiences of women business owners.
Abstract: Purpose – To advance knowledge about the relationship between small firm networks and social capital by considering the network experiences of women business owners To engage in such research, the paper proposes a conceptual model of business owner networking which is informed by social support theoryDesign/methodology/approach – To develop a conceptual model of business owner networking the paper reviews extant small business network research and argues that, while network theory can provide an understanding of the impact which social capital may have on the entrepreneurial process, a concentration on quantitative methodologies has restricted understanding of this To address the gender bias in small firm network research the paper integrates social support theory into a conceptual model of business owner networksFindings – The conceptual model proposed recognises the interplay between network structures, interactions and contents and argues that consideration of these three network dimensions may pro

151 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine differences between family and non-family SMEs in business goals, management practices and performance as they grow, and find that small family firms are less likely to pursue growth compared with similar nonfamily firms.
Abstract: Purpose – To examine differences between family and non‐family SMEs in business goals, management practices and performance as they grow.Design/methodology/approach – The study was based on 233 small non‐family and 362 small family firms. Medium firms comprised 305 family and 341 non‐family firms. Chi‐square tests and t‐tests were used to investigate the hypotheses formulated.Findings – Small family firms were less likely to pursue growth compared with similar non‐family firms. Although medium family proprietors desired growth, their actual growth was lower than similar non‐family firms. Management practices were less formal in family firms and the gap between family and non‐family firms in this area widened with growth. Small family firms achieved greater profits than their non‐family counterparts, although this disparity disappeared at the medium level. Exports were low for both firms at the small level. However, medium family firms were less likely than similar non‐family firms to export.Research limit...

124 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a range of historical studies is reviewed that examine entrepreneurship from an economic perspective and a framework of social science research paradigms is used to categorise these approaches according to their philosophical assumptions.
Abstract: Purpose – To analyse the philosophies underlying economic studies in entrepreneurship and to explain how they contribute to the understanding of entrepreneurial behaviour.Design/methodology/approach – A range of historical studies is reviewed that examine entrepreneurship from an economic perspective. A framework of social science research paradigms is used to categorise these approaches according to their philosophical assumptions.Findings – The paper finds that certain philosophies can harm the development of theory and that study using a wider range could help improve the value of research.Originality/value – This paper fills an identified gap in philosophical discussions by exploring the economic theories. In doing so, it provides a structured approach to understanding some of the differences that underlie economic policy supporting the promotion of enterprise.

110 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used qualitative research methodology for case studies of female entrepreneurs and used thematic grid analysis to form a major part of text analysis to examine closely the nature of the enterprises or phenomena under investigation and to ask pertinent questions related to their particular mode of operations.
Abstract: – To explore how information communication technologies (ICT) and the internet offer new opportunities for women to develop as entrepreneurs and innovators. To add to the literature and provide updated research to raise awareness about female‐run ICT small businesses., – Uses qualitative research methodology for case studies of female entrepreneurs and thematic grid analysis to form a major part of text analysis. The approach is influenced by the need to examine closely the nature of the enterprises or phenomena under investigation and to ask pertinent questions related to their particular mode of operations., – Shows the background of small firm development and innovation as well as personal and company characteristics, personal contacts and IT networking in obtaining information and customers. Reflects also the concern of female entrepreneurs from ethnic minorities in gaining financial backing and recognition of themselves as committed and successful entrepreneurs., – The main limitation is the small size of the sample (ten firms). There are implications for further work on gender analysis. The sample, though small, has contributed insights into the challenges facing women entrepreneurs in business and questioned the constraints on ethnicity for others. Technology is a great equaliser and the research has added further discussion on the economic contribution of female entrepreneurs., – Shows guidance on qualitative analysis using personal interviews and thematic grid analysis of textual data, as well as presenting findings., – Contributes to the literature due to the scarcity of publications concerning female‐operated ICT small businesses. The paper is useful for researchers wishing to pursue entrepreneurship and gender studies.

106 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This article investigated the relationship between biological sex (male or female) and stereotypical sex roles (masculinity and femininity) and determined which might be more appropriate to use when examining small to medium-size (SME) owner characteristics such as: locus of control (internal, powerful others and chance); need for achievement; risk-taking propensity; and preference for innovation.
Abstract: Purpose – To investigate the relationship between biological sex (male or female) and stereotypical sex‐roles (masculinity and femininity) and to determine which might be more appropriate to use when examining small to medium‐size (SME) owner characteristics such as: locus of control (internal, powerful others and chance); need for achievement; risk‐taking propensity; and preference for innovation.Design/methodology/approach – Data for this study came from 673 usable responses (517 males, 156 females) to a survey of the attitudes and expectations of a random sample of SME owner‐operators in Western Australia.Findings – It was found that femininity was significantly higher for women compared with men, but that there was no significant difference for masculinity. Results also indicate that, unlike femininity, masculinity is highly correlated with all of the “traditional” psychological traits. As a result, only one significant difference between men and women (based on their biological sex) was found; men ha...

85 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluate the portrait of the nature of undeclared work and the resultant public policy approach and find that the majority of such work is undertaken on a self-employed basis by people who have identified an opportunity to provide a good or service and are taking a calculated risk in order to fulfil others needs.
Abstract: Purpose – Viewing undeclared work as low‐paid, exploitative, organised employment conducted under sweatshop conditions, public policy has widely treated this illegitimate sphere as a hindrance to development and actively pursued its deterrence using stringent regulations and punitive measures to change the cost‐benefit ratio for those considering participation in such endeavour. In this paper, however, the intention is to evaluate critically this portrait of the nature of undeclared work and resultant public policy approach.Design/methodology/approach – To evaluate this representation of undeclared work and consequent public policy approach, empirical evidence is reported from 861 face‐to‐face interviews in English localities.Findings – The finding is that the majority of undeclared work is undertaken on a self‐employed basis by people who have identified an opportunity to provide a good or service and are taking a calculated risk in order to fulfil others needs.Research limitations/implications – Future ...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the specific process that small entrepreneurial firms follow in their internationalization; identify the key influences on the entire process; and identify the process outcomes; and conclude that there are four micro-processes that have a bearing on the shape and pace of the internationalization process.
Abstract: Purpose – The objectives of this paper are to: examine the specific process that small entrepreneurial firms follow in their internationalization; identify the key influences on the entire process; and identify the process outcomes.Design/methodology/approach – Four research questions are proposed to achieve the stated objectives. A cross‐industry, cross‐sectional survey involving a judgment sample of 1,900 small entrepreneurial firms that are engaged in international business was used. A total of 494 (26 per cent) usable responses were obtained. Correlation coefficients, frequency tables, factor analysis and discriminant analysis were used to analyse the data.Findings – There are four micro‐processes that have a bearing on the shape and pace of the internationalization process. These relate to: accelerators, export barriers, selectors of intra‐stage foreign market development and foreign market outcomes. The paper concludes that, based on the internationalization experience of small entrepreneurial firms...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the impact of firm size on performance (measured as profits, growth, efficiency and liquidity) differences between family and non-family small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of firm size on performance (measured as profits, growth, efficiency and liquidity) differences between family and non‐family small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approach – The samples of 441 family and 473 non‐family firms were divided into four size groups and performance differences analysed for each size group using MANOVA.Findings – The findings indicate that family SMEs perform at least as well as non‐family SMEs. Although the two types of firms shared several similar performance characteristics at the small level, certain differences were evident. Performance differences between family and non‐family SMEs became prominent at the critical growth phase (20‐49 employees), reached an optimum at 50‐99 employees and narrowed again thereafter. For family firms, the benefits of higher gross margins and efficient use of assets began to wane after 100 plus employees but the disadvantages of lower employee performance contin...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyze both the opportunity recognition and product development management processes not only among technology firms, but among non-technology firms as well at two points in time, 1998 and 2003.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this article is to analyze both the opportunity recognition and product development management processes not only among technology firms, but among non‐technology firms as well at two points in time, 1998 and 2003.Design/methodology/approach – The current study included two data sets: a 1998 survey of technology‐based and non‐technology firms located in US incubators; and a new 2003 study of technology and non‐technology based firms in the Inland Northwest. All respondents indicated they considered themselves entrepreneurs.Findings – Findings suggest that the opportunity recognition process changed between 1998 and 2003. Some of the authors' prior work suggested that the process, at least for technology‐based firms, had been similar between 1989 and 1998. Industry changes over time, perhaps different firm types, and insufficient data could be rational reasons for the changes. Thus, as far as the opportunity recognition process then, there is evidence that suggests that the process...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a qualitative, in-depth, naturalistic, empirical inquiry into entrepreneurial decision-making, through the application of grounded theory methodology, and examine the appropriateness of applying grounded theory to investigating complex entrepreneurship issues, as analysed through conceptual categories drawn from an empirical study.
Abstract: Purpose – To provide a qualitative, in‐depth, naturalistic, empirical inquiry into entrepreneurial decision‐making, through the application of grounded theory methodologyDesign/methodology/approach – Application of original Glaser and Strauss grounded theory methodological approach and subsequent works are situated in the comparatively new context of entrepreneurship and small business management Gathered data are iteratively analysed to produce emergent conceptual categories and their underpinning properties Emergent substantive theories of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial decision making are discussed against existing decision and entrepreneurship theoriesFindings – First, the examination of the appropriateness of applying grounded theory to investigating complex entrepreneurship issues, as analysed through conceptual categories drawn from an empirical study Second, the theoretical exploration of emergent entrepreneurship bounded practices and associated tasks of decision‐making Finally, throu

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, an ethnographic study of SME managers and their companies, which deployed a discourse perspective to managing, organizing and learning, was conducted to illustrate methodologically and conceptually how understanding of entrepreneurial management can be enhanced through a discourse viewpoint which focuses on discourse as both noun and verb.
Abstract: Purpose – To illustrate methodologically and conceptually how understanding of entrepreneurial management can be enhanced through a discourse perspective which focuses on discourse as both noun and verb, encompassing discursive resources and discursive practices.Design/methodology/approach – An ethnographic study of SME managers and their companies, which deployed a discourse perspective to managing, organising and learning. Through two case study companies the paper explores how managers' formal management learning influenced their organisation practice.Findings – Demonstrates how significant communicative acts are to understanding a company. Illustrates how apparent organisation dysfunction might be analysed and sense made of it.Research limitations/implications – By differentiating between discursive practice and discursive resource it shows that entrepreneurship research can be enriched through ethnographic study of both the content of communication between organisation members and their communicative...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the demand and supply of private capital for successful women entrepreneurs in New Zealand and explore the degree of women's current participation in the venture capital industry and delineate key considerations in the private capital investment decision-making process.
Abstract: Purpose – To explore the demand and supply of private capital for successful women entrepreneurs in New Zealand. To obtain and interpret fine‐grained information in order to mitigate the research gap on growth finance for women‐led businesses in New Zealand.Design/methodology/approach – Multiple approaches for data collection and analysis. Includes interviews with key decision makers in the private capital industry and an e‐mail survey of venture capitalists (supply‐side) and the narrated experiences of women entrepreneurs (demand‐side).Findings – Quantifies the degree of women's current participation in the venture capital (VC) industry and delineates key considerations in the private capital investment decision‐making process. Confirms the absence of overt gender discrimination in the VC market but draws attention to the presence of other – some of which are more hidden – considerations which affect mobilisation of private capital by women entrepreneurs.Research limitations/implications – Highlights tha...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the role that different structures of socially embedded networks themselves play in tax noncompliance or evasion, and the contribution that an application of network analysis can make to the study of tax compliance regulation.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this article is to explore the role that different structures of socially embedded networks themselves play in tax non‐compliance or evasion, and the contribution that an application of network analysis can make to the study of tax compliance regulation.Design/methodology/approach – This exploratory study applies a network approach and uses focus‐group interviewing to unveil tax evasive behaviours that are deeply embedded in specifically selected and structurally different trading networks.Findings – Indicate the kinds of difficulties that tax regulators may face in their attempts to deal with a range of law‐defying practices, which operate both within and among some structurally diversified (social) trading networks of a multicultural nation. The data confirm convincingly that tax evasive behaviours are not solely peculiar to immigrant (NESB) business networks, but are mirroring many beliefs, norms and informal practices that also exist strongly in non‐immigrant networks.Practica...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the importance of entrepreneurial behaviour and inter-firm co-operation for small firms seeking growth in a volatile, recession-hit environment, and find that small firms engaging in cooperation and applying prospector/analyser-type strategies achieve greater success and growth than independent firms in the same industry.
Abstract: Purpose – The article seeks to explore the importance of entrepreneurial behaviour and inter‐firm co‐operation for small firms seeking growth in a volatile, recession‐hit environment. Entrepreneurial behaviour is defined as seeking opportunities, developing new products and entering new markets. Strategic thinking and strategy type determine behaviour. Inter‐firm co‐operation includes both horizontal and vertical relationships.Design/methodology/approach – A case study of co‐operating firms and questionnaire survey of independent firms were conducted in the Turkish shotgun industry.Findings – Small firms engaging in co‐operation and applying prospector/analyser‐type strategies achieve greater success and growth than independent firms in the same industry. Moreover, co‐operation includes socio‐psychological, strategic and network dimensions, which are essential factors for success and growth.Research limitations/implications – Since the sample comprised only one case and a small number of independent firms...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the entrepreneurial role and importance of organisational members in implementing franchising decisions internationally, and suggest that it is Development Directors, as opposed to senior decision makers, who possess an international orientation and are therefore crucial to the internationalisation process of the firm.
Abstract: Purpose – To discuss the entrepreneurial role and importance of organisational members in implementing franchising decisions internationally.Design/methodology/approach – A single embedded case study of an international hotel firm was the focus of the enquiry. Interviews, observations and document analysis were used as the data collection techniques.Findings – Findings suggest that Development Directors, as the organisational members in host country markets, display many characteristics of entrepreneurial salespeople in the process of selling the franchise system. However, they face organisational obstacles which mean that they cannot fully exploit their entrepreneurial effort. The paper concludes by suggesting that it is Development Directors, as opposed to senior decision makers, who possess an international orientation and are therefore crucial to the internationalisation process of the firm. In addition, there is an indication that there is a relationship between entrepreneurial efforts within sales a...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors introduce new venture support networks (NVSN) as a topical instrument in German entrepreneurship policy, and discuss critically the problems in achieving cooperation between the member organizations in these networks.
Abstract: Purpose – To introduce new venture support networks (NVSN) as a topical instrument in German entrepreneurship policy, and to discuss critically the problems in achieving cooperation between the member organizations in these networks.Design/methodology/approach – Conceptual analysis with illustrative empirical examples derived from 17 semi‐structured interviews with actors involved in the German federal NVSN initiative “EXIST – Entrepreneurs from Universities”.Findings – Identifies two major sources of obstacles to achieving cooperation in politically initiated NVSN: heterogeneous actor structure; and lack of culture as a network due to the “artificial” political origin of the network.Research limitations/implications – The paper only identifies problem areas and illustrates these with empirical examples. Further research is required so as to analyse how the problem areas could be improved.Practical implications – Identified problem areas should be considered when planning (entrepreneurship) policy initiat...