Emerald | Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development

Ethnic female business owners: more female or more ethnic entrepreneurs

Panagiotis Piperopoulos — 2012-05-11 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The primary objective of this study is to attempt to answer the question, even with a limited sample of interviewees, if ethnic female entrepreneurs are behaving more as “female” or more as “ethnic” entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents empirical data from a face-to-face interview type research conducted in the regions of Attica and Central Macedonia, Greece. The study involved conducting face-to-face interviews with 15 founders of ethnic minority businesses (EMBs), between May and June 2009. Findings – The results suggest that ethnic female entrepreneurs may share some common characteristics with their ethnic male entrepreneurial colleagues but ethnic women's unique qualities, characteristics, motivations, background and business views distinguish them from their male ethnic counterparts bringing forth more their femininity rather than their ethnicity. Originality/value – This paper presents the results of the first-ever research on ethnic female entrepreneurs in Greece. It examines the influences and the factors that facilitate ethnic female entrepreneurs' decision to become self-employed and their experiences of entrepreneurship. It discerns in which economic sectors they develop occupational niches and investigates how strong is family participation and support in their businesses. Last but not least this research brings forth the balance between domestic and business responsibilities and how much support from governmental initiatives, policies and training programs they receive.

Gender and work-life balance: a phenomenological study of women entrepreneurs in Pakistan

Sumaira Rehman, Muhammad Azam Roomi — 2012-05-11 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – Increased participation of women in the labor force creates challenges for them to balance work and family obligations. The situation becomes more complicated in patriarchal societies such as Pakistan due to women's stereotypical domestic roles, religious prescriptions as well as cultural norms and values. This study aims to explore different influencing factors on women's work and family roles in the unique Pakistani socio-economic and cultural environment. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the interpretive phenomenological approach (IPA), this study explores different influencing factors on women's work and family roles in the unique Pakistani socio-economic and cultural environment. The methodology helped to analyse data about challenges faced by women entrepreneurs to achieve work-life balance as well as to have an insight about some of the techniques and effective strategies they use to balance work and family obligation. Findings – The results show that among other motivational drivers to start their own businesses, achieving work-life balance is one of the most significant ones. Their own businesses give them flexibility, control and freedom to juggle with their family and social responsibilities. Lack of sufficient time, gender bias, social and cultural norms as well as family responsibilities are the most significant challenges women face to achieve balance in a patriarchal Islamic society. Strategic planning, organising and delegating are the most effective strategies women use to cope with competing roles of work and family. Originality/value – This ground-breaking work in Pakistan on women entrepreneurs' work-life balance may also inspire other women who want to start their entrepreneurial career.

Factors impacting international entrepreneurship in Malaysia

Craig C. Julian, Zafar U. Ahmed — 2012-05-11 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This article aims to analyze factors impacting international entrepreneurship in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach – Interviews were conducted with 71 firms, both in the manufacturing sector and the service sector, across the 12 states of Malaysia. Findings – The interviews revealed the reasons these firms internationalised, key success factors, and the barriers to internationalisation including export market attractiveness, government policy, foreign practices being incompatible with domestic business and adapting to foreign market needs. Research limitations/implications – Due to a lack of resources, firms from West Malaysia were not contacted. West Malaysian firms may well possess characteristics concerning the barriers to internationalisation that are unique to their region. Practical implications – This article provides insight into the perceptions and decision-making processes of Malaysian entrepreneurs with regard to the barriers to internationalisation, thereby making a contribution to international business knowledge in a relatively unknown region of the world. Originality/value – The study findings and interviews showed that in order to encourage and to be successful in international business, government policy must play an active role in promoting, assisting and helping Malaysian firms in terms of financing, training, technology and the offer of lucrative tax concessions so that the domestic firms would be encouraged to engage in international business.

The internationalisation of small games development firms: evidence from Poland and Hungary

Isobel Cunningham, Sharon Loane, Pat Ibbotson — 2012-05-11 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to investigate the internationalisation strategies of small games development firms from Poland and Hungary. Design/methodology/approach – This enquiry adopts a qualitative approach, whereby firms were identified from online searches, and secondary information was sought on each firm prior to in-depth interview, in order to highlight the issues relating to internationalisation/growth. Findings – The paper provides evidence that small games development firms undertake rapid internationalisation, despite resource constraints. Firms were founded by teams of entrepreneurs who unlike many other international entrepreneurs, did not have a priori experience, sometimes moving from being hobbyists into commercial operations. These often exist in a pre-natal phase some years before formal incorporation, an important phase when many of the resources required are sourced. The findings show only partial support for RBV, as these firms were acquiring and controlling resources from their environment on a freelance and low commitment basis. The authors speculate that these firms display dynamic capabilities of the highest order in order to do so. Research/limitations/implications – This enquiry adds to understanding of the (international) growth strategies of small games development firms, and gives insight into how they access dynamic capabilities. However, the number of firms investigated is small and from two Eastern European countries, therefore further larger scale research should be undertaken. Originality/value – Based on this exploration new insights are developed with regard to an under researched sector, and how such firms undertake rapid internationational growth, despite being particularly resource constrained. In particular, the entrpreneurs in these firms have little experience and creatively acquire and control resources in order to grow rapidly. The authors speculate that they display advanced dynamic capabilities.

SME dependence and coordination in innovation networks

Elodie Gardet, Caroline Mothe — 2012-05-11 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The objective of this research is to identify and characterize the coordination systems used by SME hub firms that are in a situation of dependence with respect to other members of their network, taking into account the influence of hub firm size. Design/methodology/approach – Seven case studies were carried out: six innovation networks in which SMEs play a central role are compared with a “reference” case, in which the hub firm is a large company. Findings – The authors' qualitative empirical analysis of seven innovation projects showed that: the sharing of benefits and the guarantees that are implemented vary depending on the hub firm's degree of dependence; trust and recourse to formal agreements differ according to hub firm size; and conflict solving is influenced by both hub firm size and degree of dependence. Practical implications – Results have important implications for the management of innovation networks which are increasingly important for the development of SMEs. The knowledge of the adequate coordination mechanism is central for a SME hub firm and the success of the innovation project. Originality/value – Investigations into the internal operation of inter-organizational networks have become increasingly common. Nevertheless, empirical studies are still rare, particularly in the field of innovation networks and even more in the case of networks set up by small firms. This article partially fills this gap.

Mergers between size-unequal partners: strategic risks and hurdles

Katherine Gundolf, Olivier Meier, Audrey Missonier — 2012-05-11 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This article aims to explore how and why the creation of technological innovation during a merger can end in failure. The objective is to propose new analytical elements to improve the formulation and execution of the integration process between an SME (small and medium enterprise) and a large enterprise. Design/methodology/approach – The authors develop a theoretical framework based on the main research results from several fields, including technology transfer, innovation dissemination, and management. This case study then focuses on a merger in the IT sector in real time. Findings – This study allowed the authors to test theoretical elements, especially the choice of the integration method, which may favour the creation of technological innovation during the integration period. The authors present new reasons for the failure of co-created innovation between an SME and a large enterprise in the IT sector. This case study allowed them to test theoretical elements such as the choice of an integration method which could favour the creation of technological innovation during the integration period while enriching scientific knowledge by proposing a dynamic approach to the integration process. Originality/value – Before managers can envisage symbiosis between two merging firms, they first need to go through a period of exploration, which may entail costly mistakes. Yet this exploration period may be necessary to enable them to discover the limitations of a strictly rational approach to the integration process and to broaden their normal frame of reference. For this in-depth study, the authors benefited from free access to a substantial amount of information that is generally unavailable for scientific research, which greatly contributed to their work. The authors' theoretical framework is not exhaustive, but they tried to incorporate the most significant research results.

Innovation in food sector SMEs

Anahita Baregheh, Jennifer Rowley, Sally Sambrook, Daffyd Davies — 2012-05-11 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to present a profile of innovation in food sector SMEs in the UK, exploring specifically the degree and types of innovation employed, and engagement with activities that support innovation orientation, or organisational innovativeness. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to gather data from food sector SMEs in the UK. The questionnaire design was informed by previous studies on degree and types of innovation, and the characteristics of innovativeness. Questionnaires were distributed and gathered by hand and online in order to optimise response. A total of 221 usable responses were received and analysed using SPSS. Findings – Food sector SMEs are more focused on incremental innovation as opposed to radical innovation, and they are also more engaged in product and process innovations than in packaging, position and paradigm innovations. In terms of innovation characteristics, SMEs agree that they are usually committed to the majority of a wide range of factors that affect innovation orientation, but most important amongst these are a commitment to encouraging new ideas, and cultivating innovative employees. Originality/value – Although the food and drink sector plays an important role within the UK economy, innovation in food sector SMEs has received little previous attention. This paper makes an important contribution by profiling innovation, according to type, and innovation characteristics in food sector SMEs in the UK. In addition, it demonstrates the importance of developing understanding of the management of innovation portfolios embracing a range of types and degrees of innovation.

Can powerful buyers “exploit” SME suppliers?

John Wyld, Geoffrey Pugh, David Tyrrall — 2012-05-11 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between SME suppliers and large buyers, and so better inform competition policy in cases where market power resides with buyers. Design/methodology/approach – The theories of monopsony and oligopsony are applied to intermediate markets to set out a model of profit appropriation by large buyers from small suppliers. The main focus of the illustrative examples used is on the relationship between supermarkets and their suppliers. Findings – The authors' main prediction is that powerful buyers are able to “exploit” SME suppliers by restricting their number, the price paid to individual suppliers and the quantity purchased from each supplier. Practical implications – Governments seek to encourage small businesses because of their ability to generate innovation and create future growth opportunities. Any investigations of the continued growth of buyer power in intermediate markets should consider the effects not only upon consumer welfare but also upon the welfare of the SME sector. Governments may wish to counteract monopsonistic markets as they may inhibit SMEs that could otherwise provide innovation and growth within the economy. Originality/value – This model gives a theoretical framework to analyse the interaction between small suppliers and large buyers. Furthermore, it may provide a counter to the argument that low consumer prices are the sole legitimate aim of competition policy.

Punching above their weight: the changing role of networking in SMEs

Lisa Harris, Alan Rae, Ivan Misner — 2012-05-11 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to draw upon the findings of a research project which investigated networking styles by owner/managers of small businesses. The authors' specific objective was to analyse the impact of such networking activities on business growth to develop a taxonomy of networking based on size, business model and attitudes of the owner to their use of online and offline networking. Design/methodology/approach – The data in this study comes from analysis of an online survey completed by 645 firms based in both the USA and Europe. The authors compared the networking behaviours of small businesses using face-to-face vs online modalities, and assessed the differences between business size and home market (USA vs UK vs Europe). The data was analysed for significant differences between the responses of different classes of respondent, providing a unique taxonomy of networking across a broad geographic area. Findings – The results identified three distinct categories of networking behaviour in terms of attitude towards scaleability and geographic reach, and the authors showed that effective online networkers tended to be good face-to-face networkers also. Practical implications – The authors confirmed that effective online networkers can stay small and flexible but still “punch above their weight” in competition with larger organisations that are often more traditional in their approach and structure. Originality/value – The authors have undertaken one of the first analyses of the circumstances in which SMEs make use of Web 2.0 tools to supplement their more conventional marketing activities, and developed a coherent framework for analysing which companies are likely to make the best use of them.

Centralisation vs de-centralisation of warehousing: A small and medium-sized enterprise perspective

Søren Graungaard Pedersen, Frederik Zachariassen, Jan Stentoft Arlbjørn — 2012-05-11 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the major drivers behind the choice of centralising versus decentralising warehousing locations from a small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) perspective. Previous literature has investigated this solely from a large company perspective. Design/methodology/approach – An in-depth literature review was carried out and, in addition, a single case study was conducted in order to investigate the issue at hand. A Danish medium-sized do-it-yourself (DIY) retailer was chosen, as this company faced the challenge of deciding between centralisation vs decentralisation of its warehousing structure. Findings – The paper has two findings: existing literature does not deal with the difference between SMEs and large companies when speaking of centralised vs decentralised warehousing; and the difference between SMEs and large companies with regard to centralised vs decentralised warehousing lies in the fact that SMEs generally have scarcity in competences and fewer resources, have fewer advantages of economies of scale in a centralised setting, and, finally, have fewer management resources to carry out a centralisation project. Research limitations/implications – It is a limitation of this research that a statistical generalisation is not possible. Therefore, the findings in this paper might not be applicable for all SMEs. Practical implications – When speaking of centralising vs decentralising warehousing, SMEs should be aware that different drivers are at play when compared with larger companies. Originality/value – Research in supply chain management and logistics has not addressed the consequences of warehousing structure from an SME perspective.

Editorial

2012-05-11 00:00:00.0