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1 – 10 of over 4000The purpose of this paper is to consider the methodological limitations of existing dominant research paradigms in entrepreneurship research. In order to encourage the use of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to consider the methodological limitations of existing dominant research paradigms in entrepreneurship research. In order to encourage the use of little used methodologies to create higher quality data, an alternative approach is proposed whereby data triangulation from conventional quantitative and qualitative methods of the postal survey and the in‐depth interview are combined with biographical data.
Design/methodology/approach
By following a path of research, which embraces data triangulation from both contemporary and historical perspectives, this paper explores the benefits of embracing methods from disciplines outside the conventional confines of business research in order to better inform our understanding of smaller firm behaviour.
Findings
Introducing creativity into the research process mirrors the behaviour of entrepreneurial small firms, which often thrive in non‐linear environments where conventional linear, stepwise research methodologies fail to capture the full picture of owner/manager behaviour. Adoption of a biographical approach to entrepreneurship research can result in the uncovering of rich descriptions of valuable data, which would otherwise remain undiscovered if more conventional approaches were adopted, alone.
Research limitations/implications
Whichever methodological approach is adopted, it will be open to criticism and bias. Biographical research has been criticised for its subjectivity in terms of the biographer imposing his or her own thinking on the process. However, good biographical research utilises the creative “story telling” strengths of the biographer as researcher to uncover clearer truths.
Practical implications
The paper presents a discussion of how to utilise biographical data as a management research tool, either as a stand‐alone method or in conjunction with other research methodologies through the process of data triangulation.
Originality/value
Following a more creative, biographical approach to researching entrepreneurship suggests adopting a more postmodern, or even critical approach. Management researchers can now begin to understand how chaos and fragmentation are located in a world where formal, linear methods of understanding are being superceded by more creative conceptualisations and interpretations of the truth.
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The purpose of this paper is to respond to the Special Issue call by developing the case for enhancing understanding of entrepreneurial marketing by utilising biographical…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to respond to the Special Issue call by developing the case for enhancing understanding of entrepreneurial marketing by utilising biographical research. This builds on the limited existing research in entrepreneurial marketing using this approach.
Design/methodology/approach
Five entrepreneurial marketers are assessed using biographical research.
Findings
The individuals assessed clearly show the connection between the telling of a life story and how a business is run using an entrepreneurial marketing approach. Biographical techniques succeed in addressing the need for situation specific understanding. Entrepreneurial marketing core competencies help establish competitive advantage through their ability to influence behaviour, market creation and growth activities.
Research limitations/implications
Biographical research contributes towards the additional theoretical and practical insight which entrepreneurial marketing requires.
Practical implications
Entrepreneurial marketers can make use of biographical research findings due to their readability and association with their own practices to help shape future strategies.
Originality/value
The biographical approach has been underutilised in entrepreneurial marketing research. These research results enhance existing understanding of the foundations of entrepreneurial marketing.
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The article makes a conceptual contribution to the substantiation of the foundations in personnel management for the development and decision-making in personnel assessment based…
Abstract
Purpose
The article makes a conceptual contribution to the substantiation of the foundations in personnel management for the development and decision-making in personnel assessment based on the biographical method.
Design/methodology/approach
When substantiating the scientific direction, a comparative analysis, a comparison of the theoretical provisions of leadership and the methodology of personnel assessment, a critical appraisal of the assessment centre and biographical method were used.
Findings
Modern science contains information about effective leadership and few grounds for objective selection for leadership positions. Why do some individuals become leaders in the churches, while others become leaders of business corporations? The accepted assessment tools allow obtaining information about the candidate, but do not have a scientific basis for making a decision about leadership in recruiting. Biographical psychology brings together leadership theories and assessment tools; it allows to establish a connection between developmental psychology, social, applied and organizational psychology and provides the integration of various directions in science. It allows a deeper understanding of the relationship between a person's biographical facts and his/her suitability in the profession to justify the reasons for leadership, as well as the grounds for selection for managerial positions.
Originality/value
Substantiation of biographical psychology will allow in the future to legitimize the conduct of such studies, to come closer to the truth in the selection for leadership and not only positions, to understand the connection between the biography of leader and organizational culture. Biographical psychology will contribute to the creation of scientific basis for recruiting. To consider biographical factors more significantly (gender, age, sexual orientation, differences in personal development, and not just executive experience in the resume), this will reduce the economic costs of introducing and supporting costly procedures in organizations, as well as increasing the objectivity of the assessment and selection of personnel in organizations.
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Susan J. Paik, Lindsey T. Kunisaki, Vinh Q. Tran and Kenya R. Marshall-Harper
The purpose of this study is to discuss the significance of “contextual factors” on the talent development of underserved populations. Understanding the “context” and background…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to discuss the significance of “contextual factors” on the talent development of underserved populations. Understanding the “context” and background of an individual provides greater insight into their life experiences (Paik, 2013). Race, class and gender, in particular, play a role in one’s life, providing both barriers and opportunities.
Design/methodology/approach
To examine contextual and other factors, in-depth biographical case studies were systematically studied across 10 diverse notable artists and scientists. Over 85 autobiographies, biographies and other sources were carefully content-analyzed for commonalities and differences in artists’ and scientists’ lives.
Findings
Because of their ascribed statuses (e.g. race, class, gender), these individuals had to navigate their unique school and life circumstances. Within their sociocultural contexts, however, key relationships (e.g. parents, teachers, mentors and peers) helped mitigate the challenges. All artists and scientists had a “village” – key stakeholders who invested in them at every stage of their talent development.
Practical implications
Parents, teachers, mentors and peers are not only critical, but they are lifelines for talent development. Key implications discuss the role of contextual factors and support networks for aspiring diverse artists and scientists.
Originality/value
The theoretical framework for this study is based on the productive giftedness model (PGM) (Paik, 2013, 2015). PGM includes 10 key psychosocial and environmental factors and how they influence “productive giftedness” (e.g. achievements, accomplishments, leadership). Within the model, both “alterable” and “contextual factors” provide access to different opportunities, support and resources. The model is considered generalizable and applicable for diverse populations.
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Marie-Noelle Albert and Marie-Michele Couture
– The purpose of this paper is to propose a qualitative research method for which the empirical material is drawn from the experience of a practitioner-researcher.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a qualitative research method for which the empirical material is drawn from the experience of a practitioner-researcher.
Design/methodology/approach
First, a review of other autobiographical methods is made to show that the proposed method offers something different. Subsequently, it briefly outlines the epistemological and theoretical anchors that guided the development of the proposed method. Then it follows the path and the peculiarities of this method. And finally a few guidelines are presented for the legitimization of the knowledge generated, illustrated by an example.
Findings
The proposed method is aimed at experienced practitioners who are involved in a process of scientific research. Ideally, it is carried out with a co-searcher.
Originality/value
A new method of qualitative research to explore new avenues in management science.
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