The development of effective new venture teams in venture creation programmes
International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research
ISSN: 1355-2554
Article publication date: 9 June 2021
Issue publication date: 23 July 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore how effective new venture teams are developed in venture creation programmes.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a multiple case study focusing on the development of effective new venture teams. Semi-structured interviews with 15 new venture teams from two different venture creation programmes were conducted and an abductive analysis approach was used.
Findings
Three key phases of the development of an effective new venture team are identified: (1) establishing a foundation for collaboration, (2) structuring the teamwork and (3) adapting to changes. Key activities undertaken by effective new venture teams in each phase are explicated. The findings suggest that new venture teams that are able to establish a foundation for team collaboration and teamwork structuring have the capacity to persevere through the challenges inherent in emerging ventures.
Originality/value
This study offers a much-needed practical perspective about how effective new venture teams are developed in venture creation programmes, and how venture creation programme educators can facilitate the development of effective new venture teams. For educators, these findings provide important insights about team-based learning in entrepreneurship education.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This paper forms part of a special section “Students creating ventures in higher education – nascent entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship students”, guest edited by Lise Aaboen, Roger Sørheim, Dag Håkon Haneberg and Torgeir Aadland.
The authors are exceptionally grateful to the informants for generously sharing their experiences and to Eleni Georgiadou for collaboration during parts of the data collection. The authors also thank the Engage Centre for Engaged Centre for Entrepreneurship for collaboration and support.
Citation
Steira, I.M. and Steinmo, M. (2021), "The development of effective new venture teams in venture creation programmes", International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Vol. 27 No. 5, pp. 1116-1141. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-09-2020-0664
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited