Journal article
Entrepreneurial configurations of small firms
International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research, Vol.20(6), pp.562-583
2014
Abstract
Purpose: This article develops contemporary entrepreneurial configurations of small firms and relates them to performance. Adding a process dimension, we extend the more commonly used resource and growth taxonomies in this field of research. Design/methodology/approach: A review of current literature on small firm configurations is followed by a discussion of its dimensions, namely, context (external and internal environment), content (entrepreneurial orientation), and process (strategy-making). These are related to perceived performance, using cluster analysis and ANOVA for a sample of 320 small New Zealand firms. Findings: The results isolate young corporates, young simple, and mature consolidator clusters. Young corporates outperform their counterparts in dynamic environments in how they use formal structures, and their high entrepreneurial orientation and generative strategy-making. Research limitations/implications: This study uses self-reporting measures and a cross-sectional design. Practical implications: Our findings show how young, small firms can enhance their performance practically by aligning the key dimensions of an entrepreneurial configuration. These firms could benefit from early formalization of systems and structures, a high EO, and by using a generative strategy-making approach. Originality/value: Our contribution is threefold. First, we empirically verify the existence of three clusters of small firms and then link these to perceived performance. Second, by basing our small-firm configurations on a CCP framework, we highlight the importance of aligning these dimensions to performance. Third, we find evidence of the role of early formalization to accompany generative strategy-making and EO if small firms want to improve performance outcomes.
Details
- Title
- Entrepreneurial configurations of small firms
- Authors
- Margarietha J de Villiers Scheepers (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts and BusinessMartie-Louise Verreynne (Author) - University of QueenslandDenny Meyer (Author) - Swinburne University of Technology
- Publication details
- International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research, Vol.20(6), pp.562-583
- Publisher
- Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.
- Date published
- 2014
- DOI
- 10.1108/IJEBR-09-2013-0135
- ISSN
- 1355-2554
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2014 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. This article is © Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here. Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Business and Creative Industries; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; USC Business School - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449104702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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