Mark T. Bolinger, Katrina M. Brownell, Jeffrey G. Covin
{"title":"Keeping it real: How entrepreneurs effectively disclose risk","authors":"Mark T. Bolinger, Katrina M. Brownell, Jeffrey G. Covin","doi":"10.1002/sej.1525","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/sej.1525","url":null,"abstract":"Research SummaryAcross three studies (<jats:italic>N</jats:italic> = 300, 141, 188), we apply impression management theory to examine if and how entrepreneurs can strategically disclose risk while facilitating beneficial audience perceptions. In the crowdfunding context, we show that intentionally packaging positive information with risk disclosures—a strategy we describe as “compensation”—enhances financing outcomes. Furthermore, we conducted two follow‐up randomized experiments (<jats:italic>N</jats:italic> = 141, 188) to test intervening mechanisms (i.e., perceived authenticity, project quality) and boundary conditions (i.e., information specificity, gender) of the relationship between compensation and crowdfunding performance. Our research has implications for the strategic disclosure of risk, extends our understanding of contextual factors that influence the effectiveness of impression management tactics, and provides guidance for entrepreneurs engaged in crowdfunding efforts.Managerial SummaryShould early‐stage entrepreneurs disclose risk to potential investors? In our study, we examine the effects of making the choice to disclose risks associated with a new venture. While risk disclosure may harm financing efforts, we reveal that using a tactic we call “compensation”—in which risk disclosures are packaged with information meant to mitigate the risk—enhances financing efforts for early‐stage entrepreneurs by cultivating perceptions of authenticity. Furthermore, we found that the benefit of this tactic appears to be even greater for female entrepreneurs than male entrepreneurs. Overall, our research shows that entrepreneurs should disclose risk, but should take care to do so in a specific manner.","PeriodicalId":51417,"journal":{"name":"Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal","volume":"61 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142684276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christina Kyprianou, Siddharth Vedula, Wenxi Pu, Markus Fitza
{"title":"Shifts in national entrepreneurial culture: The promise of linguistic cultural artifacts and machine learning analysis","authors":"Christina Kyprianou, Siddharth Vedula, Wenxi Pu, Markus Fitza","doi":"10.1002/sej.1519","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/sej.1519","url":null,"abstract":"Research SummaryWe develop a dynamic view of national entrepreneurial culture by examining the linguistic evolution of media‐produced cultural artifacts—entrepreneurship‐related newspaper articles. Applying machine learning to 690,088 articles from 103 newspapers across the United States between 1996 and 2016, we identify a growing positivity bias toward entrepreneurship at the national level evidenced by rising emotional tone and declining analytical thinking. This bias varies by topic, with “entrepreneurial aspirations and journeys” driving the trend. Our analyses also suggest this bias may encourage the creation of new ventures but limit venture growth potential. We highlight theoretical and methodological contributions to research on national entrepreneurial culture and identify promising avenues for future research.Managerial SummaryWe examine how a country's cultural attitudes toward entrepreneurship change over time by studying relevant newspaper articles. We also consider if any changes in such attitudes may have implications for the quantity and quality of a country's new ventures. After analyzing 690,088 articles from 103 newspapers across the United States between 1996 and 2016, we find a growing positivity bias toward entrepreneurship evidenced by increasing rates of positive tone and decreasing rates of analytical thinking. This bias is largest when media articles discuss entrepreneurial aspirations and journeys. Our analyses also suggest this bias may facilitate the creation of new ventures but limit their growth potential. These findings have implications for understanding and measuring national entrepreneurial culture, and create opportunities for future research.","PeriodicalId":51417,"journal":{"name":"Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142642556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Why are some nations more entrepreneurial than others? Investigating the link between cultural tightness–looseness and rates of new firm formation","authors":"Valentina A. Assenova, Raphael Amit","doi":"10.1002/sej.1520","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/sej.1520","url":null,"abstract":"Research SummaryWe evaluate the role of cultural tightness–looseness as an explanation for cross‐cultural variation in new firm formation rates. Modeling cultural tightness–looseness as an antecedent for individual entrepreneurial dispositions and informal institutions, we examine its impact on the number of new limited‐liability companies registered per 1000 people and the rate of new entrepreneurs in the working‐age population. Our findings show that cultural tightness–looseness explains 56% of the variation in new firm formation rates in a sample of 156 nations, and 71% of the variation in the rate of new entrepreneurs in the 50 US states, with greater cultural looseness corresponding to higher rates of entrepreneurship, on average. This effect is robust to various model specifications, measures, and controls for other cultural dimensions.Managerial SummaryOur study examines how cultural tightness–looseness impacts new firm formation rates across nations and US states. We find that cultural looseness, characterized by flexible social norms, significantly influences entrepreneurial activity. Specifically, it explains 56% of the variation in new firm formation rates across 156 nations and 71% of the variation in new entrepreneur rates in the 50 US states. Nations and states with looser cultures tend to have higher rates of entrepreneurship. These findings are robust across different model specifications, measures, and control variables. Managers and policymakers should consider the strength and enforcement of social norms as factors in fostering new firm formation.","PeriodicalId":51417,"journal":{"name":"Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal","volume":"82 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142541123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Vartuhi Tonoyan, Robert Strohmeyer, Jennifer Jennings
{"title":"Working for Jessica or Michael? Implications of gender stereotypes for job application intentions at technology startups","authors":"Vartuhi Tonoyan, Robert Strohmeyer, Jennifer Jennings","doi":"10.1002/sej.1522","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/sej.1522","url":null,"abstract":"Research SummaryWe examine a critical yet underexplored aspect of human resource management in nascent technology ventures: employee recruitment. Applying theories of gender stereotyping, we contend that female‐led technology startups face greater obstacles in attracting job applicants than their male counterparts. Evidence from a randomized online experiment conducted in 2020/2021 with 777 US job seekers substantiates this barrier, indicating that the disparities are partly rooted in gender‐stereotypical perceptions of female technology entrepreneurs as less competent, agentic, and warm, which contribute to less favorable assessments of their ventures' economic potential and employee empowerment potential. Startups with gender‐diverse leadership teams appear to overcome these biases. Confirmatory evidence comes from a 2024 replication study with 455 US job seekers, underscoring the need to address gender biases in the technological ecosystem.Managerial SummaryIn the competitive landscape of technology startups, attracting talent is key. Our study reveals that startups with female leaders face gender biases during recruitment, with job candidates perceiving female technology entrepreneurs as less competent, agentic, and warm—and their startup ventures as less likely to have what it takes to grow and to empower employees. Analysis from a randomized online experiment involving 777 US job seekers in 2020/2021 and a follow‐up study with 455 US job seekers in 2024 confirm such biases. Crucially, a gender‐balanced leadership team significantly counters such biases, enhancing the venture's appeal to potential hires. These insights highlight the need for technology startups to promote gender diversity within their leadership to dismantle stereotypes and attract a broader talent pool.","PeriodicalId":51417,"journal":{"name":"Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-10-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142490849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Chance, probability, and uncertainty at the edge of human reasoning: What is Knightian uncertainty?","authors":"David M. Townsend, Richard A. Hunt, Judy Rady","doi":"10.1002/sej.1516","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/sej.1516","url":null,"abstract":"Research SummaryFor more than a century, Frank Knight's <jats:italic>Risk</jats:italic>, <jats:italic>Uncertainty</jats:italic>, <jats:italic>and Profit</jats:italic> has significantly influenced entrepreneurship theory development by exploring the nature of uncertainty and the epistemic limits of entrepreneurial action. Knight's work highlights how economic actors cannot fully predict the consequences of their actions. Despite its broad influence, debates persist regarding the nature of Knightian uncertainty. This study addresses these debates through a comprehensive analysis of <jats:italic>RUP</jats:italic> and Knight's other published and unpublished writings to offer new insights into the nature and meaning of Knightian uncertainty, revealing Knight's holistic theory that integrates “real indeterminism,” “partial knowledge,” and “subjective beliefs.” This analysis provides much needed construct clarity to advance contemporary theories of entrepreneurial action and the role of uncertainty in business venturing processes.Managerial SummaryThis article revisits Frank Knight's foundational work, <jats:italic>Risk</jats:italic>, <jats:italic>Uncertainty</jats:italic>, <jats:italic>and Profit</jats:italic>, a cornerstone in entrepreneurship research for over a century. We highlight Knight's holistic approach to uncertainty, which integrates the concepts of real indeterminism (the inherent unpredictability of future events), partial knowledge (the incomplete understanding of the present and future), and subjective beliefs (individual perceptions and interpretations). The study offers new perspectives on how Knightian uncertainty influences entrepreneurial decision‐making and action, highlighting how this unique type of uncertainty plays a critical role in the business venturing process. These insights provide valuable contributions to contemporary theories of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the complexity and multifaceted nature of navigating uncertainty in business.","PeriodicalId":51417,"journal":{"name":"Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal","volume":"126 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141880154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Venture capital exit after venture IPO","authors":"Yong Li, Tailan Chi, Sai Lan, Qing Wang","doi":"10.1002/sej.1515","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/sej.1515","url":null,"abstract":"Research SummaryVenture capital firms (VCs) sometimes continue to hold significant equity stakes in entrepreneurial ventures after venture IPO. The information economics view suggests that retaining equity signals VC commitment and venture quality. This study conceptualizes retaining equity as holding an exchange option, the option to exchange VCs' own valuation of IPO ventures for the market's valuation. Holding this option allows VCs to benefit from the ventures' upside potential. Since exit amounts to giving up the option, the option value represents an opportunity cost of exit. VCs may delay exit if this option is sufficiently valuable. The study examines two key conditions that interact to increase the value of this option: uncertainty and positive private information. This study contributes to research on VC exit and real options.Managerial SummaryWhen do VCs retain equity rather than exit after venture IPO? Researchers have addressed the impact of signaling, cash constraints, human capital constraints, blockholding, VC fund performance, portfolio diversification and institutional features. We identify a previously unrecognized driver: to retain the opportunity to benefit from an IPO venture's upside potential that is yet to be fully recognized or realized. We submit that VCs' incentive to retain equity increases with uncertainty in the venture's industry, and VCs' positive private information as indicated by venture patent applications and positive market surprises in the venture's industry. We find largely supportive evidence for the positive joint effect of uncertainty and private information on the decision to retain equity within the first year or even two years after IPO lockup expiration.","PeriodicalId":51417,"journal":{"name":"Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141726161","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Where to invest? Effects of technological capabilities on corporate venture capital investments","authors":"Wonsang Ryu, Joonhyung Bae, Thomas H. Brush","doi":"10.1002/sej.1513","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/sej.1513","url":null,"abstract":"Research SummaryWe investigate why a corporate investor makes more corporate venture capital (CVC) investments in certain areas than in others. Focusing on firms' different technological capabilities across distinct technology domains, we argue that a corporate investor's technological capabilities in a given domain affect its likelihood of investing in (1) ventures within the domain in an inverted U‐shaped manner and (2) ventures operating in other technologically complementary domains in a positive manner. We further claim that these two suggested relationships between technological capabilities and the likelihood of CVC investments are shaped by the technology growth rate of the focal domain. We test these arguments in the US medical sector, where incumbent firms are active in CVC investments as a means to acquire external knowledge.Managerial SummaryWe argue that firms exhibit different patterns in their choice of CVC investment areas based on their technological capabilities within a given technology domain. Our findings in the US medical sector indicate that firms are most likely to invest in ventures within domains where their technological capabilities are moderate—neither too weak nor too strong. This suggests that CVC investments serve gap‐filling purposes for technology intermediates. Moreover, corporate investors tend to invest in ventures within domains that are technologically complementary to their areas of strength. However, when a given domain experiences rapid growth, technology leaders in that domain shift their CVC investment focus from complementary areas to that domain to maintain their leading position.","PeriodicalId":51417,"journal":{"name":"Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141624795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Are we on the same wavelength? Interdimensional signal set and crowdfunding success","authors":"Ankita Kulkarni, Daniel Tzabbar, Jade Y. Lo","doi":"10.1002/sej.1514","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/sej.1514","url":null,"abstract":"Research SummaryUsing data from 1899 Kickstarter campaigns (2009–2019), we examine the impact of simultaneous emission of interdimensional signals of human capital and social causes on crowdfunding campaign success. We argue and demonstrate that backers respond positively to human capital signals, as reflected by prior work and entrepreneurial experiences, as they communicate the competencies of the entrepreneurs. Conversely, signaling a high level of commitment to social causes communicates competing demands, thereby reducing entrepreneurs' ability to secure funding. Moreover, when emitted jointly, interaction of these two signals negatively affects campaign success. Our theory and findings provide nuanced insights regarding simultaneously emitted interdimensional signals in crowdfunding context with a structured incentive system, thereby increasing our understanding about the ambiguous nature of bundling human capital with high social cause signals.Managerial SummaryWhen evaluating new ventures in the public sphere, potential backers simultaneously process the complex information emitted by founders (i.e., signals). These signals communicate the unobservable qualities of the founders. In this article, we investigate the independent and joint effects of two signals on crowdfunding campaign outcomes: founder's human capital and their commitment to social causes. We show that while human capital increases campaign success, a high commitment to social cause decreases this likelihood. We further demonstrate that when these two signals are emitted simultaneously, balancing issues between the signals reduce the chances of attaining campaign success in crowdfunding. These findings emphasize the importance for crowdfunding founders and campaign designers to communicate coherent and well aligned signals to ensure campaign success.","PeriodicalId":51417,"journal":{"name":"Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141557143","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Tradition, entrepreneurship, and innovation: The craft of Japanese fine dining","authors":"Yutaka Yamauchi, Daniel Hjorth","doi":"10.1002/sej.1512","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/sej.1512","url":null,"abstract":"Research SummaryThis study explores how traditional craft produces novelty, which appears to be at odds with its emphasis on continuation. While prior research has explored how tradition is rediscovered and revived from the past, traditional craft can produce intrinsic novelty potentially through its own repetitive acts. This study examines a Japanese cuisine <jats:italic>Kaiseki</jats:italic>, which is traditional but simultaneously innovative. The analysis of a well‐known chef's design processes reveals that the chef designs novel dishes by responding to what has been done before, making something better and differently and thereby going beyond the limit of the tradition; <jats:italic>Kaiseki</jats:italic> tradition is re‐enacted through such practices. A process philosophy of Gills Deleuze is engaged to explain our concept of “tradition as capacity” as well as “tradition as object.”Managerial SummaryTradition is now seen as important source of value. This study explains how craft can be both traditional and innovative. Typically, innovation has been explained by recombination with new technologies and restoration and reinterpretation to reinvigorate identity rooted in the past, this study sheds light on the intrinsic novelty within the practices of craft. This novelty is evident in traditional Japanese cuisine, called <jats:italic>Kaiseki</jats:italic>, which is traditional but also innovative because customers seek novel exquisite experience as they do in any Michelin Guide starred restaurants. Through the analysis of a chef's practices, we propose a new conceptualization of tradition as capacity. The creative force of this tradition as capacity is important for creating new opportunities and novel values.","PeriodicalId":51417,"journal":{"name":"Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal","volume":"27 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141545952","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Emanuela Rondi, Vittoria Magrelli, Francesco Debellis, Alfredo De Massis
{"title":"The evolution of craft work in the strategic development of a family enterprise","authors":"Emanuela Rondi, Vittoria Magrelli, Francesco Debellis, Alfredo De Massis","doi":"10.1002/sej.1503","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/sej.1503","url":null,"abstract":"Research SummaryCraft firms characterized by a humanistic approach to work face a tension between adhering to pure craft principles and embracing industrialization. This challenge is heightened in family‐controlled craft firms, striving to uphold tradition while adapting to change. This study examines how craft work evolves along the trajectory of entrepreneurial development through a case study of Thun, a third‐generation family craft firm. We identify a set of mechanisms and four configurations—pure, technical, narrative, and ecosystemic—through which craft work evolves over time. These configurations not only preserve traditions, but also infuse them with entrepreneurial spirit, reinterpretation, and deep innovation. This study contributes to the craft work literature by moving beyond static perspectives and revealing the dynamic interplay between different craft configurations.Managerial SummaryCraft firms, which emphasize a humanistic approach to work, often struggle with the tension between preserving traditional craftsmanship and embracing industrialization. Our study of Thun, a third‐generation family craft firm, provides practical insights for managers by identifying a set of mechanisms and four configurations—pure, technical, narrative, and ecosystemic—that show how craft work can evolve over time. Managers can use these configurations to balance tradition and innovation, and inject entrepreneurial spirit into craft processes. Our findings underscore the importance of managing this balance for sustainable competitiveness and fostering an entrepreneurial firm culture that supports both artisanal and industrial production. Our study also provides a practical guide for craft firms seeking to evolve strategically, ensuring the integration of tradition with contemporary entrepreneurial development.","PeriodicalId":51417,"journal":{"name":"Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal","volume":"68 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2024-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140903289","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}