Managerial Behavior, Entrepreneurial Style, and Small Firm Performance

Sadler‐Smith, Eugene; Hampson, Yve; Chaston, Ian; Badger, Beryl

doi:10.1111/1540-627x.00066

Cited by 257 publications

(244 citation statements)

References 27 publications

(29 reference statements)

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“…Although growth is perceived to be an important characteristic of entrepreneurial behaviour (Sadler-Smith et al 2003), the actual process of growth is recognised to be complex and one which needs further investigation, particularly in theoretical terms ). We argue that controversies about the essence and definition of theoretical concepts may be in part due to the differences in metaphors used.…”

Section: Concluding Discussion -Re-imagining the Growth Processmentioning

confidence: 99%

Re-imagining the growth process: (co)-evolving metaphorical representations of entrepreneurial growth

Clarke

Holt

Blundel

2014

Entrepreneurship & Regional Development

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We investigate the role and influence of the biological metaphor 'growth' in studies of organizations, specifically in entrepreneurial settings. We argue that we need to reconsider metaphorical expressions of growth processes in entrepreneurship studies in order to better understand growth in the light of contemporary challenges, such as environmental concerns.Our argument is developed in two stages: first, we review the role of metaphor in organization and entrepreneurship studies. Second, we reflect critically on three conceptualizations of growth that have drawn on biological metaphors: the growing organism, natural selection and co-evolution. We find the metaphor of co-evolution heuristically valuable but under-used and in need of further refinement. We propose three characteristics of the co-evolutionary metaphor that might enrich our understanding of entrepreneurial growth: relational epistemology; collectivity; and multidimensionality. Through this we provide a conceptual means of reconciling an economic impetus for entrepreneurial growth with an environmental imperative for sustainability.

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Section: Concluding Discussion -Re-imagining the Growth Processmentioning

confidence: 99%

Re-imagining the growth process: (co)-evolving metaphorical representations of entrepreneurial growth

Clarke

Holt

Blundel

2014

Entrepreneurship & Regional Development

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“…According to McClelland (1973), when considering the provision of an intervention, the competency approach is vital because it is able to reduce the bias in the traditional personality traits approach. Despite the advantages of this approach, however, a caveat to the general endorsement of the competency model of the entrepreneurial success has been identified (Sadler-Smith et al 2003). They point out that research so far does not distinguish between entrepreneurial competencies and managerial competencies.…”

Section: The Competency Approachmentioning

confidence: 99%

Women entrepreneurship in South Africa: Understanding the role of competencies in business success

Irene

2017

SAJESBM

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Background and aim: Environmental factors alone cannot determine the success of small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs) and female entrepreneurs; there is a need to closely examine the internal factors that also contribute to business success. This is necessary because, despite the considerable government support and support of bodies interested in promoting gender equality in all areas (business included), 20% of female-owned businesses still fail annually. Consequently, even though, according to a report from the Department of Trade and Industry in South Africa, millions of Rands have been allocated to support female-owned SMMEs by way of government funding, training, grants and consultative support services, the failure rates of these female-owned businesses remain high. The main reason for this can be that over-dependence on these incentives often weakens rather than strengthens female entrepreneurs’ ability to manage their businesses and reduces their competitiveness by laying emphasis on external, contextual factors rather than internal, competence variables for success. Researchers in the past have suggested that focusing on the internal factors, especially the ‘people issues’ facing the entrepreneurs (in this case female entrepreneurs), may give the business a better chance of success.Design/methodology/approach: A ‘mixed-method’ approach, conducted in two parts, was adopted for this study and appropriate tools and techniques were used to collect and analyse the data drawn from a sample of female entrepreneurs in South Africa. The study applies culturally instantiated facets of the debate on gender entrepreneurship as part of a detailed and empirically sophisticated consideration of the status of female entrepreneurship within South Africa. The qualitative aspect utilised semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The quantitative aspect utilised survey questionnaires developed from the findings of the qualitative study.Results: All participants agreed that entrepreneurial competencies are vital for business success. The study also makes a clear distinction between the traits approach and competencies approach in understanding business success. Arguably, the competency variable is viewed and appreciated differently by female entrepreneurs in South Africa. The findings also showed some cultural variations in the application of entrepreneurial competencies among the four dominant racial groups in South Africa.Conclusion: This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the competency variable in understanding the factors that influence business success in the context of South African female entrepreneurs. It provides a basis for an agenda for focus on training and development of the entrepreneurial competencies of female entrepreneurs in South Africa.

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“…According to D.C McClelland (1973), when considering the provision of an intervention, the competency approach is vital because of its capability to reduce the prejudice of the traits approach. Notwithstanding the benefits of this approach, however, a limitation to the competency model has been identified (Sadler-Smith et al 2003). They point out that research so far has shown no differentiation between entrepreneurial competencies and managerial competencies.…”

Section: The Competency Approachmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Cross-cultural Assessment of the Competency Needs of Women Operating in the Context of SMMEs in South Africa

B.N.O¹

2017

Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences

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Managerial Behavior, Entrepreneurial Style, and Small Firm Performance

Cited by 257 publications

References 27 publications

Re-imagining the growth process: (co)-evolving metaphorical representations of entrepreneurial growth

Re-imagining the growth process: (co)-evolving metaphorical representations of entrepreneurial growth

Women entrepreneurship in South Africa: Understanding the role of competencies in business success

A Cross-cultural Assessment of the Competency Needs of Women Operating in the Context of SMMEs in South Africa

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