Farhad Noruzi, Daniel Stenholm, Peter Sjögren and Dag Bergsjö
This paper aims to provide a holistic view to support the choice of appropriate strategy for conducting a knowledge transfer (KT) project in an international manufacturing network…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide a holistic view to support the choice of appropriate strategy for conducting a knowledge transfer (KT) project in an international manufacturing network (IMN) environment. It proposes a model that includes multiple aspects of a KT project along with guidelines on each aspect.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve the research goals, multiple case study method was adopted. Data have been collected by conducting semi-structured interviews regarding five KT projects in three multinational corporations. Data were triangulated by means of comparisons to complementary data acquired through observations and archival documents.
Findings
The results of this paper detail the key issues of five KT projects. Furthermore, the paper proposes an aggregated model comprising the main aspects and strategies for a KT project within an IMN.
Research limitations/implications
Despite the abundant research on KT area, not many research projects provide holistic views on KT process. The focus has rather been sectional and concentrated on each specific aspect within the KT.
Practical implications
The paper guides practitioners to identify multiple aspects in KT that will eventually increase the odds for successfully performing such projects.
Originality/value
The proposed learning network model improves the performance of KT projects by providing a holistic view including several factors that the organization should emphasize to succeed with inter-plant KT.
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Daniel Gameti and Sussie Morrish
This study aims to examine the effect of different types of innovation on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and small to medium enterprise (SME) growth.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the effect of different types of innovation on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and small to medium enterprise (SME) growth.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a quantitative approach to collect data from 480 SMEs in Australia and New Zealand through convenience sampling.
Findings
Based on partial least square structural equation modelling, this study found a direct positive relationship between EO and SME growth and an indirect positive relationship between EO and SME growth through business model innovation (BMI). This study emphasised that while SMEs use different types of innovation, they will achieve significant growth by innovating their business models.
Research limitations/implications
The work has some limitations as the focus was on two countries (Australia and New Zealand) considered as developed countries. The result may differ when the study is conducted in developing countries. Also, EO was measured as a unidimensional construct without looking at the individual contributions of the EO dimensions to growth.
Practical implications
SME owner managers seeking growth of their firms must focus their effort on innovating their business models to achieve competitive advantage. Also, SMEs can integrate their product and process innovations in their BMIs to minimise imitation and increase growth.
Originality/value
The novelty of this paper is that while there are existing studies on EO and SME growth, this paper explores the mediating effect of different types of innovation on the relationship between EO and SME growth.
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Rebeca de Gortari Rabiela and María Josefa Santos Corral
The objective of the work is to show the way in which creativity can influence entrepreneurial activity in Latin America. To do this, a review was made of the work related to: the…
Abstract
The objective of the work is to show the way in which creativity can influence entrepreneurial activity in Latin America. To do this, a review was made of the work related to: the mechanisms and contexts that stimulate creativity in business activities both internationally and in the region; and those that account for the contextual frameworks that favor or inhibit the development of business activity. Based on the above, it was reviewed in a more specific way, to what extent the link between creativity and entrepreneurship works or does not work in different types of companies such as small rural companies, women's businesses, and informal ones. In the last section of the chapter, with data constructed from the GEM, the impact of the context is shown to understand the geographical, historical, cultural, and institutional variations in the actions of entrepreneurship and creativity in the region, and with it, qualify the global studies on their relation.
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Sarah Preedy and Emily Beaumont
This chapter examines the role extracurricular activities have in developing higher education (HE) student’s entrepreneurial competencies and capabilities. Specifically, this…
Abstract
This chapter examines the role extracurricular activities have in developing higher education (HE) student’s entrepreneurial competencies and capabilities. Specifically, this chapter examines: What type of students participate in extracurricular activities? Why do students choose to participate? and What activities offer for entrepreneurial competency and capability development. An electronic survey (e-survey) collected pre- and post-data from two groups: Group A – students participating in extracurricular enterprise and entrepreneurship (EEEx) activities (n = 119); and Group B – students engaged in non-enterprise-related extracurricular activities (n = 72). Findings indicated that students in both groups were motivated to engage in extracurricular activities to enhance their skills, fulfil personal interests and enhance their employability. Utilising Morris, Webb, Fu, and Singhal’s (2013) entrepreneurial competencies list as a model, there were found to increase in all but one competency (creativity) for Group A, yet for the control group, most competencies decreased. Independent sample T-tests demonstrated that there was no significant difference in the final ratings of entrepreneurial capability between Group A and Group B, however, the degree of improvement for perceived entrepreneurial capability, pre-to-post, for those participating in enterprise activities was substantially higher than the control group. Finally, students participating in EEEx activities were more likely female, studying a programme within the Business School, and in the second or final stage of their programme. This chapter demonstrates the value that EEEx activities provide in a competency context for students and tasks educators with considering how to develop and signpost specific entrepreneurial competencies and capabilities.
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Chunxiao Chen, Jian Zhang, Huirong Tian and Xing Bu
Entrepreneurial passion has important implications for entrepreneurial success and psychological well-being. But their connections are complicated by the fact that three…
Abstract
Purpose
Entrepreneurial passion has important implications for entrepreneurial success and psychological well-being. But their connections are complicated by the fact that three entrepreneurial passions (passion for inventing, passion for founding and passion for developing) can be combined differently according to their level and shape difference. A variable-centered approach cannot explain their relationship very well, by only focusing on the level difference and ignoring the different combination of entrepreneurial passion in subpopulations. The purpose of this study is to explore the function of entrepreneurial passion on entrepreneurial success and psychological well-being from a person-cantered approach.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the authors conducted latent profile analyses to identify different configurations of different entrepreneurial passions (passion for inventing, passion for founding, passion for developing) on two samples of Chinese students and entrepreneurs. Then in the sample of Chinese entrepreneurs, the authors utilized the DCON command in Mplus to provide comparisons among the profiles on entrepreneurial success and psychological well-being.
Findings
Based on identity theory, the authors found four entrepreneurial passion profiles across two samples—fully passionate, action-driven, interest-driven and dispassionate. Furthermore, the authors found that fully passionate entrepreneurs showed the highest level of entrepreneurial success, followed by action-driven, and then by interest-driven and dispassionate showed the lowest level. Action-driven entrepreneurs experienced the highest level of psychological well-being, followed by fully passionate entrepreneurs, then by interest-driven and dispassionate.
Originality/value
The results provide new insights into the nature and influence of entrepreneurial passion on entrepreneurial success and psychological well-being from a person-centered perspective.
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Entrepreneurial trait and behaviour approaches are used to identify differing entrepreneurial profiles. Specifically, this study aims to determine which entrepreneurial…
Abstract
Purpose
Entrepreneurial trait and behaviour approaches are used to identify differing entrepreneurial profiles. Specifically, this study aims to determine which entrepreneurial competencies (ECs) can predict entrepreneurial action (EA) for distinct profiles, such as male versus female, start-up versus established and for entrepreneurs within different age groups and educational levels.
Design/methodology/approach
The research was conducted using a survey method on a large sample of 1,150 South African entrepreneurs. Chi-squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID) algorithms were used to build decision trees to illustrate distinct entrepreneurial profiles.
Findings
Each profile has a different set of ECs that predict EA, with a growth mindset being the most significant predictor of action. Therefore, this study confirms that a “one-size-fits-all” approach cannot be applied when profiling entrepreneurs.
Research limitations/implications
From a pedagogical standpoint, different combinations of these ECs for each profile provide priority information for identification of appropriate candidates (e.g. the highest potential for success) and training initiatives, effective pedagogies and programme design (e.g. which individual ECs should be trained and how should they be trained).
Originality/value
Previous work has mostly focused on demographic variables and included a single sample to profile entrepreneurs. This study maintains much wider applicability in terms of examining profiles in a systematic way. The large sample size supports quantitative analysis of the comparisons between different entrepreneurial profiles using unconventional analyses. Furthermore, as far as can be determined, this represents the first CHAID conducted in a developing country context, especially South Africa, focusing on individual ECs predicting EA.
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Orlando Llanos Contreras, Jonathan Alejandro Cuevas Lizama and Manuel Alonso Dos Santos
The purpose of this paper is to provide a tool for the integration of knowledge and the development of students’ capacities for analysis in the area of strategic management of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a tool for the integration of knowledge and the development of students’ capacities for analysis in the area of strategic management of companies. Mall Connection is a Chilean company that has developed mainly in the business of the commercialization of technological devices and their accessories. From this base, it has constructed a portfolio of related business and currently has expansion into neighbouring countries as one of its most important challenges.
Design/methodology/approach
The case has been developed from primary sources of information, in-depth interviews with the management team of the company and secondary information obtained mainly from the Passport Euromonitor database. This information was processed, analysed and presented in the document so as to give support to the learning outcomes defined in the teaching notes.
Findings
The breadth of the case offers flexibility in its application in corporate strategy and business courses. It allows external and internal competitive analysis of the strategy of the company. One central aspect is that it requires students to integrate the theory learnt in their courses with the practical experience described in the case to propose answers to the questions asked.
Originality/value
The case is of great value in motivating the learning in MBA students and in courses of business strategy at undergraduate level. It is an original case that allows students to know experiences of entrepreneurship and strategic management in a Latin American context.
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Neuza Ribeiro, Ana Suzete Semedo, Daniel Gomes, Rita Bernardino and Sharda Singh
This study aims to examine the impact of workplace bullying on employees’ burnout by investigating the mediating effect of affective well-being (AWB).
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the impact of workplace bullying on employees’ burnout by investigating the mediating effect of affective well-being (AWB).
Design/methodology/approach
Data of 532 employees from diverse organizations in Portugal were collected. These data were collected using anonymously completed structured questionnaires available online.
Findings
The results support the research hypotheses proposed, confirming that workplace bullying is related to both AWB and burnout. Moreover, affective workplace bullying partially mediates the relationship between workplace bullying and burnout, indicating that the victims have their AWB reduced, and, consequently, increase their burnout levels.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that organizations can foster employees’ AWB and reduce the level of burnout by encouraging organizations to develop preventive policies and practices to safeguard against bullying at work.
Originality/value
To this date, only a few studies have examined mediating and moderating variables (Nielsen and Einersen, 2018) and none include AWB as a mediator of the relationship between workplace bullying and burnout. This study answers the call for further empirical research from those who have argued that more information is needed to understand the workplace bullying phenomenon and contributes to the growing debate on this topic and its effects on employees.
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Thomas K. Maran, Anna K. Bachmann, Christine Mohr, Theo Ravet-Brown, Lukas Vogelauer and Marco Furtner
Motivation can serve as the engine that turns intention into action, and, as such, is indispensable in the early phase of the entrepreneurial process, where opportunity…
Abstract
Purpose
Motivation can serve as the engine that turns intention into action, and, as such, is indispensable in the early phase of the entrepreneurial process, where opportunity recognition and exploitation are key. However, research in this area has so far shed a selective spotlight on specific facets of entrepreneurial motivation, whereas the consideration of basic motives has been widely neglected. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to illuminate the basic motivational foundations of one core aspect of entrepreneurial behavior, namely opportunity recognition.
Design/methodology/approach
The study examined how motivation influences the process of recognizing and exploiting entrepreneurial opportunities in a sample of 312 managing directors and managing partners of small and medium-sized enterprises. Opportunity recognition and exploitation were assessed by two different measures: one evaluating the objective number of recognized and realized business opportunities, the other assessing the perceived proficiency in identifying and exploiting entrepreneurial opportunities. Implicit and explicit facets of basic motivation were measured using a comprehensive assessment of human needs.
Findings
Findings show that entrepreneurs' achievement motive is an important driver in both the identification and exploitation of opportunity. The power motive affects the perceived ability to exploit business opportunities. Interestingly, the explicit affiliation motive showed an inhibitory effect on the perceived ability of opportunity identification, whereas implicit affiliation motive is affecting the number of recognized and realized business opportunities positively.
Originality/value
This research clearly highlights the preeminence of basic motivational factors in explaining individual early-stage entrepreneurial behavior, making them a prime target for training interventions.