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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 27 August 2024

Dominic Essuman, Nathaniel Boso, Priscilla Addo Asamany, Henry Ataburo and Felicity Asiedu-Appiah

This study draws on the conservation of resources logic to theorize the role of firm resilience in explaining variations in entrepreneurial well-being under varying conditions of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study draws on the conservation of resources logic to theorize the role of firm resilience in explaining variations in entrepreneurial well-being under varying conditions of supply chain disruption and dependency ratio.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses ex-post survey data from 373 women entrepreneurs in diverse agricultural supply chains in Ghana, a sub-Saharan African country. Moderated regression analysis is employed to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that firm resilience has both positive and negative relationships with economic and subjective well-being, depending on the level of supply chain disruption and dependency ratio women entrepreneurs face. Notably, the findings suggest that firm resilience contributes more to economic and subjective well-being of women entrepreneurs when dependency ratio is low and supply chain disruption is high.

Originality/value

The study integrates firm resilience research and entrepreneurial well-being literature to provide new insights into theorizing and analyzing the benefit of firm resilience for women entrepreneurs’ well-being.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 30 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 August 2024

Eugine Tafadzwa Maziriri, Brighton Nyagadza and Tafadzwa Clementine Maramura

The purpose of this study was to investigate the detrimental consequences of participating in stokvels among women entrepreneurs within the South African township economy.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the detrimental consequences of participating in stokvels among women entrepreneurs within the South African township economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used the Gioia methodology, involving the implementation of a qualitative inquiry with an inductive approach. Semi-structured interviews served as the primary method for data collection. The study had a sample comprising 20 women entrepreneurs located in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Findings

Narratives on the detrimental consequences of participating in stokvels among women entrepreneurs within the South African township economy included fraudsters, misunderstanding and dishonesty among stokvel partners, year-end robbery and theft, stokvels being dominated by men, operating outside of formal regulatory frameworks, exclusion and limited funding.

Research limitations/implications

Sample size challenges feature as a notable limitation, including the research being conducted in only one province of South Africa. Caution should be exercised when seeking to generalize the findings in other contexts.

Originality/value

While there is an array of literature on the impact of stokvels on entrepreneurship, there are deficiencies in studies that have looked at the detrimental consequences of stokvels on women entrepreneurs. As a result, the goal of this research is to add to the present corpus of African entrepreneurship literature, specifically in the context of South Africa.

Details

Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6204

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 August 2024

Mahnoor Altaf, Karim Ullah and Muhammad Atiq

The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions, experiences and behaviors of women entrepreneurs and industry professionals in raising finance for women-led businesses…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions, experiences and behaviors of women entrepreneurs and industry professionals in raising finance for women-led businesses and associated problems faced by the women entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research adopts a narrative inquiry strategy. In-depth interviews are used to collect data from women entrepreneurs and women industry professionals in Pakistan. NVivo qualitative data analysis software is used to organize, analyze and find insights in the qualitative data.

Findings

This research finds that women entrepreneurs struggle to secure financing for their businesses, and most of them have not been successful in obtaining loans from banks. Women entrepreneurs have relied on various sources of funding, including microfinance banks, grants, personal finance and family members. Some of the barriers to finance attainment for women entrepreneurs include sociocultural inhibitions, lack of awareness and limited information dissemination by financial institutions. Women professionals suggest that entrepreneurs should maintain a bank account, have proper documentation and show dedication to their business to improve their chances of obtaining financing.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides theoretical contributions and methodological advancements in the study of financial inclusion for women-owned businesses in Pakistan. This research raises awareness about the difficulties women entrepreneurs face when trying to obtain credit from banks and other financial institutions and provides policy recommendations to inform the government about financial inclusion policies and financing policies for women entrepreneurs. Overall, this research contributes to the literature on financial access and access to finance for women-owned businesses in developing countries.

Originality/value

Based on the vulnerable group theory and theory of discouraged borrower, this paper has two important theoretical and practical implications. First, the findings of this study reveal that the financial services are indifferent to women, and there is a denial of women being vulnerable in the financial system, hence requiring a major policy shift to not portray women as vulnerable, as they will rationally feel risky and prefer to opt out of the financial system. Second, the findings suggest that the issue of access to finance for women is not in the financial services but in the women's capabilities and awareness. Therefore, a policy shift is suggested from “financial services for women” to “capability and awareness of women” to avail and access the current services.

Details

Qualitative Research in Financial Markets, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4179

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 6 August 2024

Pamela Queen

This case is based on secondary information and data about the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women initiative and youth entrepreneurship programs from press releases, news…

Abstract

Research methodology

This case is based on secondary information and data about the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women initiative and youth entrepreneurship programs from press releases, news articles and websites. The protagonist has been disguised. This case has been classroom-tested in a core MBA course in both face-to-face and online delivery methods.

Case overview/synopsis

In March 2021, Goldman Sachs launched its One Million Black Women initiative which expanded its inclusive growth goals to support Black women entrepreneurs who were under-represented and under-resourced. This initiative is one of Goldman Sachs’s sponsored programs that aid existing entrepreneurs. This program would invest $10bn over the next decade to advance racial equity, promote entrepreneurial activity and increase and economic opportunities for these highly motivated and resilient Black women. With the buzz from this initiative, Johnnetta who was a Black female manager at a financial services competitor of Goldman Sachs conceived another approach to groom and grow future generations of women of color entrepreneurs. Her idea was to implement youth entrepreneurship programs in middle schools in states with high populations of students of color. Based on a psychological theory of entrepreneurship approach, these students would learn about entrepreneurship and gain hands-on experience with starting and operating a business. The program was called “Planting 1000 Seeds of Entrepreneurs” to develop a pipeline of savvy, well-prepared future women of color entrepreneurs. Johnnetta’s dilemma was whether to pitch this new youth entrepreneurship program as an employee at her employer as a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiative or start this program as an entrepreneur of a nonprofit in which she would have sole autonomy to administer this program. This case will enable students to develop ideas into a compelling business pitch while sparking debate about approaches to foster DEI initiatives that will have impactful economic benefits for women of color entrepreneurs.

Complexity academic level

This case is best suited for upper-level undergraduate or graduate students taking business administration courses in management, entrepreneurship, women studies or other courses that cover topics or modules related to DEI initiatives involving women in business.

Details

The CASE Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 1544-9106

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 August 2024

Mumin Abubakre and Marcia Mkansi

By focusing on the contextual conditions of South African digital entrepreneurs and the affordances of digital technologies, we understand how connective affordances of digital…

Abstract

Purpose

By focusing on the contextual conditions of South African digital entrepreneurs and the affordances of digital technologies, we understand how connective affordances of digital technologies enable a collective approach to digital entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

We do so through an interpretive field study of South African digital entrepreneurs operating in resource-constrained settings.

Findings

The findings highlight how entrepreneurs appropriate digital technologies in collectives to achieve connective actions and cooperate and compete simultaneously, giving rise to what we call coopetitive affordance, reflecting a fresh perspective on coopetition in increasingly digital and resource-constrained realities.

Originality/value

This paper extends the connective affordance perspective by illustrating how the concept of coopetitive affordance brings to light how contextual conditions create a humanitarian bond between entrepreneurs and a digital bond created by their appropriation of digital technologies in collectives.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 August 2024

Ahmad Nadzri Mohamad

This paper aims to explore the extent of open data actualization for start-up entrepreneurs based on affordance theory. The principal interest of the study revolves around the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the extent of open data actualization for start-up entrepreneurs based on affordance theory. The principal interest of the study revolves around the possible actions or actualization of open data for innovation and entrepreneurial benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

The author used a qualitative case study as the research design. The author consulted the central public agency that manages open data implementations in Malaysia regarding the research topic. By doing so, the author recognized and interviewed start-up entrepreneurs who actualize open data in businesses. From that exercise, the author conducted a snowball sampling technique to recruit more informants for the research. Start-up entrepreneurs selected for the study must be active in an entrepreneurial project and have at least one year of experience using open data for innovation and entrepreneurship. The author conducted 30 online semistructured interviews with start-up entrepreneurs, representatives from open data providers and a start-up association for triangulation purposes. The author adopted affordance theory as a lens of understanding. Qualitative analysis software was used to generate research findings.

Findings

In this study, start-up entrepreneurs actualize open data in three principal areas: product building with open data, value creation with existing products and open data for business research and strategies. The study came across distinct narratives of local start-ups that build open data products named “a property start-up,” “mechanics on the go” and “peer-to-peer digital charity movement.” Also, the study discovered three unanticipated findings about the research topic. First, the study uncovered two start-ups that used open data to enhance algorithm designs. Second, the study revealed a unique narrative of a start-up that pivoted business ideas based on open data during the Covid-19 pandemic. Third, the study learned about a start-up that initiated strategic partnerships with an agricultural association and smallholder farmers inspired by open data. These findings extend the literature on how start-up entrepreneurs actualize open data for entrepreneurial gains in a developing economy. What is also unique about this study is that there might be an open data misconception among start-up entrepreneurs. The findings advocate that some start-up entrepreneurs believed all data should be shared or opened upon request based on the generic understanding of open data. Clearly, this is a fallacy, and better awareness is required among start-up entrepreneurs regarding open data principles and implementations.

Practical implications

Data providers need to build a credible image of open data as a foundation to drive actualization. This can be achieved through capacity building, awareness campaigns and strategic engagements with start-up entrepreneurs. Open data institutions need to initiate flagship projects with start-up associations in highly valuable sectors to demonstrate commercial applications of open data in certain fields.

Originality/value

Previous research provides limited empirical studies on the commercial application of open data for start-up entrepreneurs. Hence, the novelty of this study lies in understanding how start-up entrepreneurs actualize open data to create value in their respective fields.

Details

Information Discovery and Delivery, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-6247

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 February 2008

Bala Chakravarthy and Peter Lorange

Strategic renewal requires both a top‐down and bottom‐up effort. Top management sets the broad vision for the firm and specifies the scope and pace of renewal. However, it is the

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Abstract

Purpose

Strategic renewal requires both a top‐down and bottom‐up effort. Top management sets the broad vision for the firm and specifies the scope and pace of renewal. However, it is the firm's entrepreneur‐managers who shape its renewal strategies and take responsibility for their implementation. This paper aims to profile the skills, personal traits and experiences of successful entrepreneur‐managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses field research.

Findings

The paper finds that entrepreneur‐managers are in part corporate entrepreneurs. They are outward‐focused, cognizant of changes in their business environment and the new opportunities that these may bring. They are willing to experiment with new business models and to explore new capabilities. But they are also operating managers interested in scaling up an entrepreneurial idea and in delivering results. They have a few special personality traits. They are not risk averse and are action oriented. They are also supremely self‐confident. These traits allow entrepreneur‐managers to take risks, persist despite failures and learn from their mistakes. However, more than special traits, it is experience that grooms entrepreneur‐managers in a firm. Entrepreneur‐managers are typically not new comers to the organization. Their long tenure helps with networking inside the firm. They also have an established track record of performing well. That buys them the freedom to operate outside the usual confines of the organization and enjoy the trust that is needed to take risks on behalf of the firm.

Research limitations/implications

Like in any field‐based study, the sample size is a limitation. However, for the modest goal that this paper has set for itself, i.e. profiling the entrepreneur‐manager, this is not a severe limitation.

Practical implications

The paper provides a profile for identifying and nurturing entrepreneur‐managers. As it argues, they are the drivers of strategic renewal within the firm.

Originality/value

Prior empirical and theoretical research on intrapreneurship has focused more on creating distinct new corporate ventures. This article suggests that the real power of intrapreneurship is to help connect the future of the firm with its current core businesses. Intrapreneurship is about leverage and build, more so than transform, to use the three types of renewal strategies that are offered in this article.

Details

Journal of Business Strategy, vol. 29 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0275-6668

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1995

Mahmood S. Bahaee

In this research a group of Iranian entrepreneurs was studied using survey questionnaires as well as interviews. The entrepreneurs' locus of control and their perceptions…

Abstract

In this research a group of Iranian entrepreneurs was studied using survey questionnaires as well as interviews. The entrepreneurs' locus of control and their perceptions regarding major problems facing them were examined. The results indicated that our sample overall had internal locus of control. The significance of this finding in the context of a religiously dominated culture is discussed. The entrepreneurs also indicated the lack of market information and government role as major hurdles facing entrepreneurial activities.

Details

International Journal of Commerce and Management, vol. 5 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1056-9219

Article
Publication date: 27 August 2024

José Osvaldo De Sordi, Wanderlei Lima de Paulo, Carlos Francisco Bitencourt Jorge, Bandiera Jeremias and André Rodrigues dos André

This paper aims to explore the perception of successful entrepreneurs and resource providers regarding the minimum operational time necessary to legitimize an enterprise as an…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the perception of successful entrepreneurs and resource providers regarding the minimum operational time necessary to legitimize an enterprise as an established company, as well as the tactics used by the entrepreneurs to minimize the distrust of society during this initial period of the life cycle of the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection from two groups: (i) interviews with 62 entrepreneurs and founders of established companies; and (ii) a questionnaire completed by 77 sales managers of companies that provide businesses with resources (they practice business-to-business). Regarding analyses: (i) to analyze information, this study applied the content analysis technique; and (ii) for data, this study applied the one-sample t-test, mean comparison t-test, Pearson’s correlation test, chi-square test of association, Mann–Whitney U test and correspondence analysis technique.

Findings

In this study, a period of 42 months was identified for the legitimization of enterprises by society, in other words, the time necessary for enterprises to be recognized as an established company and a company of low risk by customers and resource providers. A set of managerial and behavioral actions practiced by successful entrepreneurs to face the difficulties they experience during the legitimization period was also identified.

Practical implications

In addition to establishing a period of 42 months for the legitimization of an enterprise in the eyes of society, a set of 15 strategies used by successful entrepreneurs was identified to combat the prejudice associated with the youthfulness of their companies. Of these, 12 are linked to managerial actions and 3 to the entrepreneur’s behavior. It should be highlighted that eight of these strategies are innovative and have yet to be addressed in the literature on mitigating risks associated with the liability of newness principle.

Originality/value

The authors discuss the legitimization of enterprises based on the perception of actors who play a fundamental role regarding entrepreneurial action: resource providers for companies, customers and successful entrepreneurs. This is a triangulation of sources, as well as a triangulation of collected data and qualitative and quantitative techniques, which sought to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information that resulted from this analytical process.

Details

European Business Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-534X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 October 2011

Audrey Gilmore

The purpose of this paper is to consider marketing and its relevance to entrepreneurs and small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), and how entrepreneurs and SMEs owner/managers…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider marketing and its relevance to entrepreneurs and small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), and how entrepreneurs and SMEs owner/managers adapt and use marketing for their specific requirements during the life of an enterprise. Initially, the paper will give some background to the subject, including how entrepreneurs and SMEs owner/managers are defined and their value to the economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The discussion draws from the academic literature and from experience of working with entrepreneurs and SMEs over a number of years. The background characteristics and frameworks of entrepreneurial and SMEs marketing are considered, with emphasis on a pragmatic approach, to try to understand how entrepreneurs and SMEs actually “do” business.

Findings

The main body of the paper focuses on the nature of entrepreneurial marketing typically used by SMEs. The key themes of the discussion are how entrepreneurs and SME owner/managers adapt standard marketing frameworks to suit their own enterprises, how they use networks to improve their business activity, the use and development of marketing management competencies and how they try to use and develop innovative marketing.

Research limitations/implications

Finally, the paper comments on the inter‐relationships and relevance of entrepreneurship and marketing for each other.

Originality/value

In practice, entrepreneurial and SMEs marketing is quite different from the marketing frameworks described in the standard marketing textbooks used to teach most undergraduate students. This paper illustrates how entrepreneurs and SMEs adapt and use marketing according to the needs of their enterprises.

Details

Journal of Research in Marketing and Entrepreneurship, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-5201

Keywords

11 – 20 of over 42000