Emerald | International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research | Table of Contents

QUALITATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP AUTHORSHIP: ANTECEDENTS, PROCESSES AND CONSEQUENCES

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This paper reports on a systematic review of the writing practices and experiences of scholars who have published qualitative papers in the field of entrepreneurship. It evaluates existing knowledge about how ‘well-published’ entrepreneurship scholars go about writing up qualitative research. It identifies good practices in qualitative research authorship as self-described by authors. It identifies the antecedents, processes, and consequences of qualitative research authorship as self-described by authors. Design/methodology/approach - Scholars who had published qualitative papers in five top ranked entrepreneurship journals over a twenty year period, were asked to complete a qualitative survey about their writing practices. A qualitative analysis of 37 usable replies was undertaken. Findings - Entrepreneurship scholars perceive their qualitative research writing to be more enriching and philosophical than quantitative research. Although they feel strong connections with their research subjects, they find qualitative research difficult and time consuming to write up. It is hard to bridge the gap between working with large amounts of transcribed data and the editorial requirements of journals, without losing the vitality of data. Qualitative research and subsequent writing skills have often been learned by trial and error. Many are inspired by specific texts, which may include novels, poems or plays. Research limitations/implications - This work shows how useful it is to discuss qualitative writing processes so that we may learn from the "blood, toil, tears and sweat" of those who have already successfully navigated both the writing and publishing of qualitative research.Originality/value - Although there is a vigorous debate within the Entrepreneurship literature about the prevalence and suitability of different methods and methodological approaches, there is no explicit discussion of how researchers engage with writing up qualitative research for publication. The paper addresses this gap and shares insights and guidance from our community of practice.

The involvement of technology transfer officers in the development of university start-ups: A psychological ownership perspective

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Harveen Chugh) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This study explores the involvement of technology transfer officers in the development of university start-ups from a psychological ownership perspective.Design/methodology/approach - A three-year qualitative study of three university start-ups was conducted using a longitudinal, case study and theory building design, whereby the theoretical perspective of psychological ownership was linked to the data during the analysis stage.Findings - When university start-ups are running low on funds, technology transfer officers develop psychological ownership for the start-up through the investment of the self and control routes (Pierce et al., 2001; 2003).Originality/value - There is a paucity of empirical studies that examine psychological ownership in new venture creation. This study shows technology transfer officers develop psychological ownership for the university start-up they are working with and contributes to both the psychological ownership and entrepreneurship literatures.

Becoming entrepreneurial: gaining legitimacy in the nascent phase

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Karen Williams Middleton) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of the article is to examine how legitimacy as ‘an entrepreneur’ is gained in relation to others during the nascent phase. Design/methodology/approach - Two firm creating teams are studied over a 12 month incubation period. Data collected through participant observation, documentation and interviews is emploted as narratives in order to explore how nascent entrepreneurs gain legitimacy through social interaction. Positioning theory is used to explore how negotiated rights and duties are employed towards legitimacy gaining strategies. Findings - Conforming, selecting and manipulating strategies are used to gain legitimacy during a process of firm creation through interactive dialogue with key stakeholders (role-set). Positioning facilitates a process of negotiated rights and duties that helps to define the role of 'entrepreneur' to which the nascent entrepreneurs aspire. Research limitations/implications - The study is bounded to a specific contextual setting and thus initial findings would benefit from further investigation in comparable and control settings. Findings illustrate the ways in which nascent entrepreneurs employ legitimacy gaining strategies through interaction with key stakeholders, an area of research not well understood. This contributes to an understanding of how entrepreneurial identity is developed.Practical implications - Designed firm creation environments can facilitate interaction with key stakeholders and support positioning of nascent entrepreneurs as they attempt to gain legitimacy in the role of 'entrepreneur' while creating a new firm. Legitimacy gaining strategies can strengthen entrepreneurial identity development, which can be applied to multiple entrepreneurial processes. Originality/value - The article accesses individuals in the process of becoming entrepreneurs, a phenomenon most often studied in hindsight. Emphasis on stakeholder interaction as contributing to entrepreneurial development is also understudied. Legitimacy gaining strategies are explored through narratives using positioning theory, an approach which has been discussed conceptually but not readily applied empirically.

Connecting self-directed learning with entrepreneurial learning to entrepreneurial performance

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Chien-Chi Tseng) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this research is to explore (1) the relationships among self-directed learning and entrepreneurial learning; and (2) the relationships among entrepreneurial learning and entrepreneurial performance through a literature review. This paper reviews the characteristics of self-directed learning that are important in supporting entrepreneurial learning. A conceptual framework outlining the relationships among self-directed learning and entrepreneurial learning is provided to illustrate how these relationships can enhance entrepreneurial performance.Design/methodology/approach - Key words are identified to use in the literature search. All of the several electronic databases available in the online library, including both journal and book sources, are used to search for resources, as well as Google Scholar and Google Search.Findings - Entrepreneurs who learn and develop their self-management and self-monitoring skills have more opportunities to enhance entrepreneurial knowledge and experiences in the entrepreneurial development process. The research generates valuable outcomes and findings for future business and entrepreneurship study: self-directed learning has emerged as an important area of inquiry in relation to entrepreneurial learning, as well as entrepreneurial performance.Research limitations/implications - The study was exploratory, based on the literature review. Further studies are needed using empirical research to examine why some characteristics of self-directed learning and entrepreneurial learning are better used to enhance the outcomes of entrepreneurial performance.Originality/value - The research constructs a conceptual framework to outline the relationships among self-directed learning, entrepreneurial learning, and entrepreneurial performance. Value was created when self-directed learning and entrepreneurial learning are identified as the key factors for the entrepreneurial performance.