Work values in a changing economic environment: the role of entrepreneurial capital

Abstract

Purpose -The need for more flexible, dynamic and innovative firms is widely recognised nowadays. Entrepreneurial capital may contribute to a more entrepreneurial labour force with work values aligned to those needs, thus becoming one of the firm's strategic resources. But entrepreneurial capital is not evenly distributed between countries and regions. The purpose of this paper is to measure the importance of a region's cultural values in determining its level of entrepreneurial capital, and considers how this may affect the characteristics of the workforce. Design/methodology/approach -Schwartz's (2004) approach to measuring cultural values will be followed. Entrepreneurial intentions will be used as a proxy for entrepreneurship capital, following Ajzen's (1991) theory of planned behaviour. A representative sample of 2,974 adults with higher education was used in the empirical analysis. Findings -Results show that the region's culture indirectly influences the entrepreneurial capital of its members. People in some regions are more pro-entrepreneurial, showing higher start-up intentions, due to their cultural characteristics. Research limitations/implications -Results help explain why a larger share of the workforce in some regions presents work values facilitating flexibility, creativity and innovation. Similarly, they explain some of the difficulties faced when transferring human-resource practices that have been successful in one branch, to new branches in regions with lower entrepreneurial capital. Originality/value -The paper is novel in that it contributes to explaining why the majority of firms in some regions enjoy a more flexible and innovative labour force than those in less entrepreneurial regions.

The Effect of Cultural Factors on Social Entrepreneurship: The Impact of the Economic Downturn in Spain

“…Consequently, this positive social image could foster more people to start new social organizations, even more during economic downturns. However, it is important to note that differences in the socio-cultural context may influence, among other things, the status and social recognition of social entrepreneurs, promoting or inhibiting entrepreneurial career choice (Jaén & Liñán, 2013). Then, we state:…”

Encouraging Female Entrepreneurship in Jordan: Environmental Factors, Obstacles and Challenges

“…This all points to an urgent need to disseminate information publicly and to raise awareness about this issue (Caputo, Mehtap, et al, 2015). Researchers have argued that a country's culture, values,beliefs and norms affect entrepreneurial orientation (Hechavarria & Reynolds, 2009;Jaén & Liñán, 2013). People living in collectivist cultures like the one in Jordan, tend to be more influenced by the opinions of others (I Ajzen, 2001;Hofstede, 1980;Liñán & Chen, 2009).…”

The Role of Islamic Work Ethics to Entrepreneurial Intention: The Study of Undergraduate Students in Indonesia

“…Some research have proposed that individuals' values will determine EI [5] [6]. This view was supported by evidence, e.g.…”

“…Religion influences the attitude, values, behaviors of an individual and communities [35] [36]; their way of life [9], and their decision to become entrepreneurs or select their jobs. Thereto, individual's values will determine EI [5] [6]. Evidence support the view that most successful entrepreneurs have certain values and interests regarding entrepreneurship [7].…”

“…Many researches also identified the connection between underlying values to Entrepreneurial Intentions ("EI"). The values of individual will determine entrepreneurial intentions [5] [6]. Many evidence supported the view that aspiring entrepreneurs had certain values and interests regarding entrepreneurship [7].…”