Alain Daou, Jay Joseph, Dalia Sabah Yousif, Ramzi Fathallah and Gerald Reyes
The purpose of this paper is to explore the association between intellectual capital (IC) and resilience in torn societies while proposing an integrative framework. Due to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the association between intellectual capital (IC) and resilience in torn societies while proposing an integrative framework. Due to adversities faced by entrepreneurs in such contexts, an understanding of the role of resilience along with IC has become crucial for businesses to succeed and survive.
Design/methodology/approach
This study takes an in-depth look at the three components of IC – human, organizational and external capital and their association with resilience. In order to do so, a qualitative study on 17 Iraqi micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) was conducted using data collected through semi-structured interviews with the founders. The interviews were translated and coded by native speakers.
Findings
The results suggest that IC and resilience are interrelated concepts where IC components contribute to the resilience capabilities of entrepreneurs to survive and continue their businesses during turbulent times.
Practical implications
Implications for managers and policymakers are presented; in brief, strategies and policies are required to support entrepreneurial success in the Iraqi context.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the literature on IC for entrepreneurs. So far, few studies have dealt with the association between IC and resilience, and less so in torn societies. This paper contributes to research on enterprise development and survival under conflict zones; it highlights some of the factors that could form resilience of a MSME in the face of uncertainty; and it contributes to the literature on IC as it helps us understand certain capacities that build up and/or support MSME resilience in such a context.
Details
Keywords
Sophie Brière, Maripier Tremblay and Alain Daou
In the past years, several initiatives were implemented in South Africa to encourage entrepreneurship. In this paper, we try to answer the question: what services South African…
Abstract
Purpose
In the past years, several initiatives were implemented in South Africa to encourage entrepreneurship. In this paper, we try to answer the question: what services South African entrepreneurs want? In order to do so, the services offered by Enablis, a Canadian NGO whose purpose is to encourage entrepreneurship in South Africa are analyzed.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a qualitative case study approach, this paper presents the point of view of entrepreneurs in South Africa.
Findings
Surprisingly, we found that entrepreneurs want first and foremost networking opportunities. Human capital, expressed through training and developing entrepreneurs' skills is another key issue. Finally, access to financing is only the third priority for South African entrepreneurs.
Originality/value
This research allowed the identification of the needs of entrepreneurs and provides an insight into entrepreneurship in South Africa.
Details
Keywords
Alain Daou, Egide Karuranga and Zhan Su
The purpose of this paper is to understand the characteristics of intellectual capital (IC) in Mexican small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Due to the shift from traditional…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the characteristics of intellectual capital (IC) in Mexican small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Due to the shift from traditional factors of production to knowledge-based economy, an understanding of the role of IC has become crucial for SMEs to develop a competitive advantage.
Design/methodology/approach
This study takes an in depth look at the three components of IC: human, organizational, and external capital. In order to do so, a quantitative study on 445 SMEs was conducted based on data collected through an online survey. A structural equation model is proposed that is a fit with the reality of Mexican SMEs. Regional differences are highlighted by means of multigroup analysis.
Findings
The results suggest that the features of human and organizational capital are consistent with previous studies on SMEs in emerging economies. However, external capital shows some distinctive characteristics unique to Mexican context.
Practical implications
Implications for managers and policymakers are discussed, whereby an adaptation of programs and policies are required to fit the Mexican context at the national and regional levels.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors knowledge, this is the first study that observes the components of IC in Mexican SMEs.
Details
Keywords
Tiina Ritvala and Rilana Riikkinen
Social enterprises (SEs) have become important new actors in solving grand challenges in a VUCA world. Nevertheless, International Business (IB) research has paid little attention…
Abstract
Social enterprises (SEs) have become important new actors in solving grand challenges in a VUCA world. Nevertheless, International Business (IB) research has paid little attention to them. To address this gap, we draw upon a comparative case study of two SEs: one addressing poverty and the other tackling ocean plastics pollution. Our analysis uncovers two issue-specific internationalization paths: a multi-local path and a born-glocal path. On the basis of the findings, we re-conceptualize internationalization in the context of SEs as an ongoing, issue-specific process of social impact scaling through bricolage, global optimization, and local integration. We conclude by offering suggestions for further accounting for SEs in the IB research agenda.
Details
Keywords
Samir D. Baidoun, Robert N. Lussier, Maisa Burbar and Sawsan Awashra
The aim of this study is to examine the factors that lead to success or failure of a small business in the West Bank of Palestine.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to examine the factors that lead to success or failure of a small business in the West Bank of Palestine.
Design/methodology/approach
This study methodology is a survey research, testing the Lussier model of business success and failure with a sample of 246 small businesses (90 failed and 156 successful) to better understand the reasons of their success or failure using logistic regression statistical analysis.
Findings
The model is significant (p = 0.000); it will predict a group of businesses as successful or failed more accurately than random guessing 99 per cent of the time. The model will also predict a specific small firm as successful or failed 94 per cent of the time vs. 50 per cent for random guessing. The r-square is very high (r = 0.70), indicating that the model variables are, in fact, significant predictors of success or failure. Results indicate that having adequate capital, keeping good records with financial controls, making plans and getting professional advice on how to manage the firm are the most important factors for the viability and success of small businesses.
Practical implications
With the high rate of small business failure globally, results of this study provide a list of variables that contribute to the success of small firms. Firms that focus on these important factors will increase their odds of success. Thus, avoiding failure, firms better utilize resources that contribute to economic growth.
Originality/value
This is the first study that looks at success and failure of small businesses in Palestine. There is no one single accepted theory that may be applied to small businesses. This paper aims to further contribute to the global validity of Lussier success and failure model moving toward a theory to better understand why some businesses succeed and others fail.