Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

12-2007

Abstract

Managing growth in an enterprise as it grows beyond the startup phase is a challenge for many entrepreneurs. One key element that can help or hinder growth is the entrepreneur. Entrepreneurial growth has been linked to micro variables (motivations and psychological attributes of the entrepreneur) and macro variables. However, few studies have examined the role of the growth aspirations of the entrepreneur on the necessary elements of organization change related to growth.

This paper reports a study employing a typology of entrepreneurs based on their growth aspirations using an established dichotomous scale devised by Smith to differentiate between what he called craftsmen versus opportunistic entrepreneurs. The findings, while not supporting all expectations, do support the literature that points to the growing importance of intellectual capital, technological upgrading and participative management approaches as competitive weapons of small firms.

Keywords

Entrepreneurial growth, motivation, aspirations, management

Discipline

Asian Studies | Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | Human Resources Management | Organizational Behavior and Theory

Research Areas

Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources

Publication

Small Enterprise Research

Volume

15

Issue

2

First Page

88

Last Page

99

ISSN

1321-5906

Identifier

10.5172/ser.15.2.88

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.5172/ser.15.2.88

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