Francis Donbesuur, Magnus Hultman, Nathaniel Boso and Pejvak Oghazi
The aim of the study is to examine the effects of opportunity creation and discovery on the performance of family firms. Specifically, from the tenets of dynamic capabilities and…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the study is to examine the effects of opportunity creation and discovery on the performance of family firms. Specifically, from the tenets of dynamic capabilities and organizational contingency perspectives, this study proposes and tests a framework of how family firms' creation and discovery behavior impact venture growth and the conditions under which such impact can vary.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses moderated-hierarchical regression to analyze survey data from 156 family-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating within a sub-Saharan African economy.
Findings
The findings indicate that creation behavior has a curvilinear U-shaped relationship with venture growth, while discovery behavior has a direct positive relationship with venture growth. Further analysis reveals that the curvilinearity of the U-shaped relationship between creation and venture growth will be stronger for older family firms than for younger ones.
Research limitations/implications
The study findings may be limited by the cross-sectional nature of the data and the specific focus on family firms only.
Practical implications
The results highlight the significance of pursuing both opportunities among family firms. In fact, both creation and discovery opportunities are significant drivers of family firm growth, albeit in different capacities. Relatedly, managers of older family firms (compared to younger firms) can invest more in exploiting creative opportunities.
Social implications
From these findings, governments and other stakeholders should create enabling environment and institutional frameworks conducive to exploiting opportunities by entrepreneurial firms.
Originality/value
The study is novel – as it provides unique findings on the performance implications of creation and discovery behavior of entrepreneurial family firms within developing economies.
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Arinze Christian Nwoba, Emmanuel Mogaji, Nadia Zahoor, Francis Donbesuur and Gazi Mahabubul Alam
Building on the social marketing theory, this study aims to examine the relationship between family units and obesity in Nigeria; and the social marketing interventions used to…
Abstract
Purpose
Building on the social marketing theory, this study aims to examine the relationship between family units and obesity in Nigeria; and the social marketing interventions used to reduce and prevent obesity in the Nigerian society.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted a semi-structured interview research design with 42 obese individuals in Nigeria.
Findings
The study findings show that the family unit an individual grows up in influences their consumption behaviour, which drives their obesity. The findings reveal that obese Nigerian citizens are willing to live a healthier lifestyle due to the direct and indirect medical costs associated with obesity. Furthermore, the findings disclose the social marketing interventions – local celebrity endorsements, healthy lifestyle promotions, reduced gym membership and affordable access to healthy foods and services – used to prevent and reduce the rising obesity rates in the Nigerian society.
Research limitations/implications
The findings have important theoretical implication given the focus on consumption behaviour and obesity.
Practical implications
The study findings provide an avenue to guide government officials, policymakers and social marketers in shaping their public policy and social marketing interventions to encourage healthier consumption and lifestyle behaviours among families and individuals in the Nigerian society.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research study to investigate how family units in the emerging market of sub-Saharan Africa drive obesity and the social marketing interventions used to reduce and prevent obesity. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
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Muhammad Hamdi, Nurul Indarti, Hardo Firmana Given Grace Manik and Andy Susilo Lukito-Budi
This study aims to examine the effect of entrepreneurial intention and attitude towards knowledge sharing on new business creation by comparing two generations, Y generation…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the effect of entrepreneurial intention and attitude towards knowledge sharing on new business creation by comparing two generations, Y generation (millennials) and Z generation (post-millennial). In addition, the current study uses a social cognitive theory as a point of departure to test the research hypotheses.
Design/methodology/approach
This study deploys a quantitative approach (hypothetic-deductive approach) by surveying 300 respondents representing the two Indonesian generations. The questionnaire consisting of demographic items (age, education, etc.) and variables was the primary research instrument. This study used regression analysis, a Wald test for examining the proposed hypotheses and a t-test to provide a deeper analysis of the findings.
Findings
Findings from the current study show that Gen Y is still seeking a balance for their learning sources by involving in their social environments as well as exploring the digital world. In contrast, Gen Z is much more dominant in the independence to learn things that interest them. They have less dependency on social patrons but prioritise themselves as the leading model.
Practical implications
The findings of this study provide practical implications for higher education institutions in the development of entrepreneurship education to achieve learning effectiveness.
Originality/value
This study aims to contribute by providing empirical evidence in the effect of entrepreneurial orientation and attitude towards knowledge sharing on new venture creation with particular reference to Gen Y and Gen Z, suggested by previous studies. Although Gen Y and Gen Z are digital natives, this study provides insight into a shift in the characteristic of two generations, as also found in comparison to previous generations, such as Baby-Boomer vs Gen X and Gen X vs Gen Y. This study proclaims the need to adjust organisational theories to enable them to explain the shifting phenomena at the micro and macro level for every generation. Exploratory research to better understand the characteristics of a generation in other settings is a crucial proposal proposed by this study.
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This paper seeks to explore how contextual factors influence the effectiveness of government support initiatives in enhancing the international performance (IP) of small and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to explore how contextual factors influence the effectiveness of government support initiatives in enhancing the international performance (IP) of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Addressing the fragmented nature of international business literature regarding institutional context, this study adopts an institution-based view (IBV) to examine how specific components of institutional context act as moderators in the relationship between government support and SME performance in international markets.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is grounded in empirical research, utilizing data collected from 257 exporting SMEs in the Caucasus region through a random sampling method, achieving a response rate of 57.1%, comparable to similar studies in international business. Data analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess both direct effects and moderating relationships.
Findings
The results confirm that government support, whether informational or experiential, significantly enhances SMEs’ performance in international markets. However, the relationship between government support and IP is moderated by the stability and specificity of the institutional environment. Institutional enforceability does not exhibit a significant moderating effect. Notably, institutional predictability moderates only the relationship between informational support and SMEs’ IP, highlighting the nuanced role of institutional context.
Originality/value
This research contributes to international business literature by applying an IBV, emphasizing the critical role of context in interactions among market stakeholders. It provides novel insights into how institutional context shapes the effectiveness of government support initiatives in fostering international success for SMEs, particularly in emerging economies. These findings advance the understanding of institutional context influences on SME internationalization and highlight the importance of tailoring government support in accordance with institutional context.
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Kwame Ntim Sekyere and Hossein S. Jalali
This study aims to examine the relationship between a founder’s knowledge of international markets and the firm’s ability to acquire and orchestrate resources for its…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the relationship between a founder’s knowledge of international markets and the firm’s ability to acquire and orchestrate resources for its international operations.
Design/methodology/approach
This investigation uses an empirical methodology using data obtained from SMEs engaged in exporting activities in the Middle East. The data collection used a random sampling approach, reaching 284 samples from SMEs that are privately held and engaged in international ventures within the past five years, deriving more than 35% of export sales directly. The relationships within the data were scrutinized through partial least squares-structural equation modeling.
Findings
The examination recognizes a positive and direct correlation between founders’ knowledge of international markets and SMEs resource orchestration ability. The results find support for both of mediated and moderated paths and uncover the mediated role of SMEs resource acquisition ability in relationship between founders’ knowledge and SMEs resources orchestration ability. Level of SME internationalization and degree of innovation initiatives positively moderate this relationship as well.
Research limitations/implications
The study’s results contribute to the theory and practice of international entrepreneurship and cognitive psychology, but there are a few limitations to be conscious of. For example, the relationship between founders’ knowledge, resource acquisition and resource orchestration is strengthened by SMEs’ levels of internationalization and their degree of innovativeness. However, to anticipate resource acquisition, future studies might model a direct link between SMEs level of internationalization and degree of innovativeness.
Practical implications
This research offers practical recommendations for owner–managers of SMEs in the field of international entrepreneurship in emerging market environments, particularly regarding the use of founders’ knowledge in resource orchestration and when it is most useful. To be more precise, entrepreneurs should prioritize the transfer of their knowledge of international markets as a knowledge base to obtain resources for their international operations. This includes both the acquisition of resources and the orchestration of these resources concerning the utilization of product–market opportunities to create economic value.
Originality/value
This research provides unique perspectives on the interaction between founders’ knowledge of international markets and firms’ resource orchestration ability. The findings have significant implications for the advancement of theory and managerial implications in the fields of cognitive psychology, international business and entrepreneurship.
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Mohammed Awad Alshahrani and Mohammad Asif Salam
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and firm performance (FP) through the mediating role of absorptive capacity…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and firm performance (FP) through the mediating role of absorptive capacity (AC) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) as an emerging economy.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper used a quantitative research design. Data was collected using a self-administered online questionnaire. The study was based on 366 samples from Saudi Arabian workers at SMEs. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS/AMOS 26.
Findings
The paper provides empirical insights. It suggests the positively mediating role of AC in the relationship between EO and FP. The authors found a full positive mediating role of AC in the relationship between EO and FP in SMEs in the KSA.
Research limitations/implications
The study empirically confirms the role of EO through AC in enhancing a firm’s performance. Additionally, the research findings support SME owners and managers in increasing their firms’ performance by implementing AC dimensions (assimilation and acquisition) with existing entrepreneurial characteristics to boost and increase business and performance. Regardless of the implications, this paper has some limitations. For instance, this study was conducted only on SMEs in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, future researchers are encouraged to extend the study to other organization sizes or to extend the study to other industries.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the importance of AC’s mediating role in EO’s impact on FP, extending the previous studies in the area. Moreover, this research investigates the study themes in a relatively new context, specifically SMEs in the KSA.
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This study aims to understand and compare how the mechanism of innovative processes in the information technology (IT) industry – the most innovative industry worldwide – is…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to understand and compare how the mechanism of innovative processes in the information technology (IT) industry – the most innovative industry worldwide – is shaped in Poland and the USA in terms of tacit knowledge awareness and sharing driven by a culture of knowledge and learning, composed of a learning climate and mistake acceptance.
Design/methodology/approach
Study samples were drawn from the IT industry in Poland (n = 350) and the USA (n = 370) and analyzed using the structural equation modeling method.
Findings
True learning derives from mistake acceptance. As a result of a risk-taking attitude and critical thinking, the IT industry in the USA is consistently innovation-oriented. Specifically, external innovations are highly correlated with internal innovations. Moreover, a knowledge culture supports a learning culture via a learning climate. A learning climate is an important facilitator for learning from mistakes.
Originality/value
This study revealed that a high level of mistake acceptance stimulates a risk-taking attitude that offers a high level of tacit knowledge awareness as a result of critical thinking, but critical thinking without readiness to take a risk is useless for tacit knowledge capturing.
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Mauricio Losada-Otálora, Diana Escandón-Barbosa, Jairo Salas-Páramo and Nathalie Peña-García
The purpose of this paper is answering two research questions: What are the trajectories of persistence in exporting followed by different groups of firms? What factors relate to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is answering two research questions: What are the trajectories of persistence in exporting followed by different groups of firms? What factors relate to each trajectory of persistence in exporting? The authors propose and test a framework that links operational and marketing firms’ capabilities to different trajectories of persistence in exporting.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a dataset of 2,913 firms over 14 years from the annual manufacturing survey in Colombia (AMS), the authors explored the trajectories of persistence in exporting. The authors applied data envelopment analysis to measure operational and marketing capabilities and group-based trajectory modeling to discover and link such trajectories to firms’ capabilities.
Findings
The authors identified four trajectories of persistence in exporting. Also, the authors found that while the interplay between marketing and operational capabilities relates positively to the non-exporting trajectory and negatively to the persistent trajectory, operational capabilities relate positively to the erratic trajectory and negatively to the slow growth trajectory of persistence in exporting. Meanwhile, marketing capabilities do not relate to any trajectory.
Research limitations/implications
Policymakers should help firms develop marketing and operational capabilities to compete globally to motivate them to export and persist in exporting. Policymakers should avoid stimulating firms to reinforce learned and familiar capabilities that cannot leverage desirable trajectories of persistence in exporting.
Originality/value
The authors introduce the trajectories of persistence in exporting, providing a fresh perspective for analyzing exporting behavior over time. The authors have also proposed and tested a unique framework that links operational and marketing firms’ capabilities to these trajectories, thus contributing to the existing body of knowledge on exporting behavior by firms from emerging markets.
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Misbah Faiz, Naukhez Sarwar, Adeel Tariq, Ricardo Vinícius Dias Jordão and Mumtaz Ali Memon
Strategic human capital analytics (SHCA) has proven to be promising for improved organizational performance; however, research remains unclear about its influence on new venture…
Abstract
Purpose
Strategic human capital analytics (SHCA) has proven to be promising for improved organizational performance; however, research remains unclear about its influence on new venture performance. Building on the dynamic capabilities view (DCV), this study investigates the relationship between SHCA and new venture performance via generative capabilities with the moderating role of dual nationality founding members.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research study has been carried out. Data was collected via a survey form from 313 founding members of new tech ventures and analyzed using Hayes process macro model.
Findings
Research results show that the generative capability mediates the linkages between SHCA and new venture performance. Whereas, the dual nationality of a founding member strengthens the linkages between SHCA and generative capability due to their diverse perspective, larger networks, cognitive flexibility, and resilience, which are important for generative capabilities and SHCA.
Originality/value
The originality of these results lies in the exploration of the linkages between dual nationality and generative capability, as well as the special elements, such as diverse perspectives, larger networks, cognitive flexibility, and resilience, which are highlighted as possible advantages of dual nationality in the context of SHCA and new venture performance.