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1 – 10 of over 3000
Article
Publication date: 29 January 2018

Yannick Dillen, Eddy Laveren, Rudy Martens, Sven De Vocht and Eric Van Imschoot

Few high-growth firms (HGFs) are able to maintain high-growth over time. The purpose of this paper is to find out why only a small number of firms become persistent HGFs…

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Abstract

Purpose

Few high-growth firms (HGFs) are able to maintain high-growth over time. The purpose of this paper is to find out why only a small number of firms become persistent HGFs, explicitly focusing on the role of the founding entrepreneur in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, 28 semi-structured interviews were performed with high-growth entrepreneurs to discover why so few founders could become persistent high-growth entrepreneurs. In a second phase, four case studies were conducted to uncover the factors that facilitate a swift evolution from the “managerial” role to the “strategic” role.

Findings

High-growth entrepreneurs, who quickly make a transition from a managerial role into a strategic role are more likely to keep their firm on its high-growth trajectory. This transition is made possible by: the early development of strategic skills; the presence of a high quality human capital base; and an organizational structure with characteristics from Mintzberg’s “machine bureaucracy.”

Practical implications

The results are vital for entrepreneurs of “one-shot” HGFs with the ambition to make their firm a “persistent” HGF. If high-growth rates are to be sustained, the three factors that emerged from the authors’ analysis should foster the delegation of managerial tasks, resulting in an easier transition toward a “strategic role.”

Originality/value

Insights are valuable as both founders and governmental institutions can benefit from knowing which factors contribute to a successful phase transition from “manager” to “strategist.”

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 May 2013

Gloria L. Sweida and Rebecca J. Reichard

The number of women choosing entrepreneurship as an occupation continues to grow. However, there are very few start‐up high‐growth ventures in traditionally non‐feminine…

4918

Abstract

Purpose

The number of women choosing entrepreneurship as an occupation continues to grow. However, there are very few start‐up high‐growth ventures in traditionally non‐feminine industries, such as manufacturing or technology. The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the potential impact of implicit and explicit gender stereotypes on women's high‐growth entrepreneurial intention, and to examine the role of entrepreneurial self‐efficacy in this process. The authors aim to argue that there is a dual stereotype associated with high‐growth entrepreneurship (HGE), which negatively impacts on women's intention and self‐efficacy, thereby limiting their behavior in this arena.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper. Through the lens of stereotype activation theory the authors call for researchers to begin examining these phenomena and to utilize more generalizable samples of entrepreneurial students in future research.

Findings

The paper finds that by decreasing the masculine stereotype‐related barriers associated with HGE and increasing women's HGE self‐efficacy it should be possible to increase women's intention to engage in high‐growth venture creation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper has valuable implications for entrepreneurship educators and trainers.

Practical implications

The paper offers specific and practical suggestions on how entrepreneurship educators and trainers can build women's entrepreneurial self‐efficacy.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors bring together prior theory and research on entrepreneurship, gender stereotyping and social cognitive theory to provide a research agenda on the relationship between stereotype threat, entrepreneurial self‐efficacy and high‐growth entrepreneurial intention.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1990

Chad Perry

In 1971, Kilby likened research about the psychology ofentrepreneurs to search for a “heffalump”, with noconvincing descriptions resulting from the research. This paper…

Abstract

In 1971, Kilby likened research about the psychology of entrepreneurs to search for a “heffalump”, with no convincing descriptions resulting from the research. This paper surveys later research which compares entrepreneurs with other people, and concludes that more is now known about the psychology of entrepreneurs, but that entrepreneurs are not as different from other groups within the general population, managers included, as was once assumed.

Details

Journal of Managerial Psychology, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-3946

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 March 2022

Daniel Mahn, Antonio Lecuna, Gonzalo Chavez and Sebastian Barros

Given the importance of growth-oriented entrepreneurship in the context of economic development and the need to understand how rural communities can be developed, the purpose of…

Abstract

Purpose

Given the importance of growth-oriented entrepreneurship in the context of economic development and the need to understand how rural communities can be developed, the purpose of this research paper is to determine how the drivers of growth expectations differ between urban and rural settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is threefold: firstly, a descriptive analysis with non-parametric testing is conducted; then pooled regression model is used to analyse the predictors of growth expectations in both contexts, and finally, coarsened exact matching is used to identify possible self-selection bias.

Findings

In contrast to mainstream entrepreneurship theory, it is found that entrepreneurs’ intrinsic knowledge, skills and abilities are not significant in the rural-specific model. The only exception is entrepreneurs’ educational level, the importance of which is emphasised as a pivotal factor in increasing high-growth ventures in rural communities. Additionally, when self-selection is eliminated, rurality worsens growth intentions.

Practical implications

There is evidence that some growth-oriented entrepreneurs self-select into rural communities. Because the high-growth entrepreneurial dynamics in rural areas are unique, public policies should target purpose-driven entrepreneurial education. This includes encouraging “lifestyle entrepreneurship” (e.g. retirees returning to rural areas to become entrepreneurs), preventing entrepreneurial brain drain in rural areas and attracting highly educated urban entrepreneurs to exploit opportunities in rural areas.

Originality/value

This research attempts to contribute to the ongoing debate regarding the factors that drive high-growth entrepreneurs in rural areas by analysing rural entrepreneurs in the high-growth context of a developing economy. The focus is on Chile – a country that is rarely investigated compared to the USA or Europe – to extend the literature on high-growth ventures and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Details

Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, vol. 15 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4604

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 July 2018

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

This research paper concentrates on how a big success factor, in the job-creating domain of high-growth companies, is the ability of an entrepreneur to transition in their role. Based on interviews with Flemish high-growth entrepreneurs, the study reveals that many of them struggled to reach a strategic level of operating, where the daily running of the business was delegated to others.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Details

Strategic Direction, vol. 34 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0258-0543

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 December 2021

Julian Andres Diaz Tautiva

Given the lack of theoretical and empirical research on high-growth entrepreneurs in developed and developing economies; this paper aims to answer, what are the main definitions…

Abstract

Purpose

Given the lack of theoretical and empirical research on high-growth entrepreneurs in developed and developing economies; this paper aims to answer, what are the main definitions and typologies used to explain the high-growth phenomenon? How could be described the high-growth entrepreneurs’ life cycle? And what are the main findings and limitations in the empirical research of high-growth entrepreneurship?

Design/methodology/approach

To advance the study of high-growth entrepreneurship and provide a means through which these advancements can contribute to the understanding of how this phenomenon is defined, the authors organize and review the extant literature based on the foundational definition of entrepreneurship, the typologies used to describe it and the phases of new venture process. The final sample of this methodology consisted of 54 empirical works that explored this issue from 2010 to 2020.

Findings

This research develops a roadmap on the current state of high-growth entrepreneurship and provides suggestions to guide future research in extending the understanding of this phenomenon.

Practical implications

The theoretical frameworks developed could be used for both policymakers and entrepreneurs to understand the variables that affect the entrepreneurial life cycle and how they could increase the likelihood of survival of new firms in developed and developing economies.

Originality/value

The research provides evidence about the definitions and entrepreneurial typologies used to describe the high-growth ventures, bridging unconnected theoretical frameworks and proposing an integrated view to exploring the phenomena in a new setting.

Objetivo

Dada la falta de investigación sobre el emprendimiento de alto crecimiento en las economías desarrolladas y en desarrollo, esta investigación responde a (a) ¿Cuáles son las principales definiciones y tipologías utilizadas para explicar el fenómeno del alto crecimiento? (b) ¿Cómo se podría describir el ciclo de vida de los emprendedores de alto crecimiento? y (c) ¿Cuáles son los principales hallazgos y limitaciones en la investigación empírica del emprendimiento de alto crecimiento?

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Para avanzar en el estudio del emprendimiento de alto crecimiento organizamos y revisamos la literatura existente basándonos en la definición fundacional, las tipologías utilizadas para describirlo y las fases del proceso de nuevas empresas. La muestra final consistió en 54 trabajos empíricos desde 2010 hasta 2020.

Resultados

Esta investigación avanza en la exploración del emprendimiento de alto crecimiento y proporciona una visión general compresiva de este fenómeno basada en encuestas globales estandarizadas. Esta investigación ha proporcionado una visión general de los emprendimientos de alto crecimiento, presentando una agenda de investigación basado en los resultados empíricos y las limitaciones.

Implicaciones prácticas

Los marcos desarrollados podrían ser utilizados por los responsables políticos como por los empresarios para comprender las variables que afectan al ciclo de vida emprendedor y cómo podrían aumentar la probabilidad de supervivencia de las nuevas empresas en las economías desarrolladas y en desarrollo.

Originalidad/Valor

La revisión proporciona las definiciones y tipologías empresariales utilizadas para describir el fenómeno del alto crecimiento, tendiendo un puente entre marcos teóricos inconexos y proponiendo una visión integrada para explorar el fenómeno en un nuevo escenario.

Objectivo

Dada a falta de investigação sobre empreendedorismo de alto crescimento nas economias desenvolvidas e em desenvolvimento, esta investigação responde (a) Quais são as principais definições e tipologias utilizadas para explicar o fenómeno de alto crescimento? (b) Como poderia ser descrito o ciclo de vida dos empresários de alto crescimento? e (c) Quais são as principais descobertas e limitações na investigação empírica sobre empreendedorismo de alto crescimento?

Concepção/metodologia/abordagem

Para avançar o estudo do empreendedorismo de alto crescimento organizámos e revimos a literatura existente com base na definição fundacional, nas tipologias utilizadas para o descrever e nas fases do novo processo de empreendimento. A amostra final consistiu em 54 trabalhos empíricos de 2010 a 2020.

Resultados

Esta investigação faz avançar a exploração do empreendedorismo de alto crescimento e fornece uma visão global abrangente deste fenómeno com base em inquéritos globais normalizados. Esta investigação proporcionou uma visão geral do empreendedorismo de alto crescimento, apresentando uma agenda de investigação baseada em resultados empíricos e limitações.

Implicações práticas

As estruturas desenvolvidas poderiam ser utilizadas tanto pelos decisores políticos como pelos empresários para compreender as variáveis que afectam o ciclo de vida empresarial e como poderiam aumentar a probabilidade de sobrevivência de novos empreendimentos em economias desenvolvidas e em desenvolvimento.

Originalidade/valor

A revisão fornece definições e tipologias empresariais utilizadas para descrever o fenómeno de alto crescimento, estabelecendo pontes entre quadros teóricos desajustados e propondo uma visão integrada para explorar o fenómeno num novo cenário.

Article
Publication date: 13 March 2017

Stern Neill, Lynn E. Metcalf and Jonathan L. York

Whether opportunities are discovered or created by entrepreneurs is a foundational question in entrepreneurship research. The purpose of this paper is to examine women…

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Abstract

Purpose

Whether opportunities are discovered or created by entrepreneurs is a foundational question in entrepreneurship research. The purpose of this paper is to examine women entrepreneurs in high-growth new ventures and explore the cognitive resources that distinguish between three approaches to opportunity perception: opportunity discovery; opportunity creation; and a combined discover-create (ambidextrous) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Using questionnaire responses from 165 women entrepreneurs in high-growth new ventures, K-means clustering was used to determine three approaches to opportunity perception. The cognitive resources associated with each approach were then identified using multiple discriminant analysis. Finally, multivariate analysis of variance was conducted to examine the relationship between opportunity perception and growth expectations.

Findings

These results demonstrate different approaches to opportunity perception among entrepreneurs in high-growth new ventures, the cognitive resources that reinforce each approach, and the expected new venture growth outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The findings offer insight on the cognitive origins of opportunity perception by empirically identifying distinct approaches to opportunity perception and the cognitive resources that underlie each. The study relies on a unique sample of entrepreneurs to understand complex cognitive phenomenon.

Practical implications

Understanding the effects that cognitive factors have on opportunity perception provides direction for current and aspiring entrepreneurs. The findings and instrument may be used for professional development and to inform educational strategies.

Originality/value

The findings offer important contributions to entrepreneurial theory and practice by addressing repeated calls for research that examines the cognitive antecedents enabling opportunity formation (discovery, creation or both). This manuscript empirically does so, while opening up possibilities for future research.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 23 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 June 2017

Ioannis Giotopoulos, Alexandra Kontolaimou and Aggelos Tsakanikas

The purpose of this paper is to explore potential drivers of high-growth intentions of early-stage entrepreneurs in Greece before and after the onset of the financial crisis of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore potential drivers of high-growth intentions of early-stage entrepreneurs in Greece before and after the onset of the financial crisis of 2008.

Design/methodology/approach

To this end, the authors use individual-level data retrieved from Global Entrepreneurship Monitor annual surveys (2003-2015).

Findings

The results show that high-growth intentions of Greek entrepreneurs are driven by different factors in the crisis compared to the non-crisis period. Male entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs with significant work experience seem to be more likely to be engaged in growth-oriented new ventures during the crisis period. The same appears to hold for entrepreneurs who are motivated by an opportunity and also perceive future business opportunities in adverse economic conditions. On the other hand, the educational level and the social contacts of founders with other entrepreneurs are found to drive ambitious Greek entrepreneurship in the years before the crisis, while they were insignificant after the crisis outbreak.

Originality/value

Based on the concept of ambitious entrepreneurship, this study contributes to the literature by investigating the determinants of entrepreneurial high-growth expectations in the Greek context emphasizing the crisis period in comparison to the pre-crisis years.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 24 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2021

Agnieszka Kwapisz

Business accelerators facilitate new venture creation, and most research on the subject focuses on the performance of accelerated ventures. This paper aims to understand what…

Abstract

Purpose

Business accelerators facilitate new venture creation, and most research on the subject focuses on the performance of accelerated ventures. This paper aims to understand what entrepreneurs value in business accelerators and how this differs for women- and men-led ventures. The authors suggest that venture growth stage may play a mediating role in these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the resource-based view perspective to develop models of women- and men-led ventures’ valuation for business accelerator services. They also draw upon a database of 2,000 US entrepreneurs.

Findings

The authors found that, compared to men, women entrepreneurs place greater value on knowledge transfer benefits (i.e. business skills education) but lower value on networking benefits offered by accelerators. However, there are no significant differences in the valuations for these services between genders for high-growth ventures. Additionally, compared to men, women leading high-growth ventures place greater value on access to potential investors or funders.

Practical implications

This research serves as a practical guide for accelerator administrators and marketers who seek to adjust their business support offerings based on the value placed for the services by different populations of entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

The authors provide a business accelerator user’s perspective and highlight differences in valuation of accelerator services by women- and men-led ventures at different stages of venture growth.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 37 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 April 2016

Oxana Bulanova, Espen John Isaksen and Lars Kolvereid

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between perceived desirability (attitude towards growth) and feasibility (entrepreneurial self-efficacy) of business…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between perceived desirability (attitude towards growth) and feasibility (entrepreneurial self-efficacy) of business growth and women entrepreneurs’ continued business growth aspirations. Hypotheses are derived guided by the Entrepreneurial Event Model (EEM). The authors also address the following research question: what reasons do women entrepreneurs state for wanting or not wanting continued business growth?

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of 93 of the largest independent businesses in Norway started by women entrepreneurs in 2004, 2005 or 2006 (response rate 57.5 per cent). The hypotheses are tested using logistic regression. The authors carry out a post hoc analysis of open-ended questions, containing a qualitative analysis of the reasons for not wanting or wanting the business to grow.

Findings

The results support the hypotheses. Controlling for industry, location and the women entrepreneurs’ age, perceived desirability and feasibility of business growth predict growth aspirations. Thus, the findings suggests that the EEM is an appropriate and useful model. Reasons are grouped in reasons relating to considerations for the entrepreneur, the business and the environment. The most common reason for not wanting the business to grow relates to business considerations, including that growth would jeopardize the quality of services offered by the business. Important reasons for wanting the business to grow include fun and excitement.

Research limitations/implications

Policy makers and educators can encourage business growth by efforts aiming to increase the desirability and feasibility of growth. Practitioners as well as scholars should be aware of the inducements and costs associated with business growth. The study contributes to the entrepreneurship literature by exploring and identifying areas that both encourage and hinder further business growth among high-growth women entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

Research on women-owned businesses is still scarce, and few if any previous studies have surveyed growth aspiration in new high-growth women-owned businesses. The combination of quantitative and qualitative techniques is also a novel contribution of this survey.

Details

Baltic Journal of Management, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5265

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 3000