Journal of Enterprising Culture

Acknowledgements: We would like to thank the Norwegian Royal Ministry of Industry and the Bodø Graduate School of Business for the financial support that made this research possible. We would also like to thank the Society of Associated Researchers in Entrepreneurship under whose auspices the data for this study was collected. An earlier version of this paper was presented at the 3rd Annual Global Entrepreneurship Conference, Lyon, France, March 1993.

The present research investigated: (1) the relationship between entrepreneurs’ growth intentions and actual firm growth, (2) the stability of growth intentions, and (3) the relationship between changes in intentions and actual firm growth. Using a longitudinal design, data were collected from Norwegian entrepreneurs for 1990 and 1992. The results indicate that growth intentions may be used to predict actual growth, that past intentions are related to later intentions, and that changes in growth intentions are associated with changes in growth patterns.

A study of 323 new ventures in Ohio supports Reynolds’ findings of an earlier study in Pennsylvania, namely: firms tend to follow one of four different growth patterns, only one of which includes significant growth; most firms do not experience growth beyond their first year’s sales; and there are no significant correlations between age of the firm and annual sales. The results support a new model of firm growth which empirically invalidates the metamorphic growth model. The study concludes by identifying significant differences in operational and strategic emphases between the development patterns.

This article explores the notion that different types of entrepreneurs exist, distinguishable not only by the types of business activities undertaken, but also by certain personality traits they possess. Selected personality traits of franchised entrepreneurs are compared to those of independent entrepreneurs using empirical data from 127 franchised owner-managers from ten restaurant franchises. The study findings suggest that, while high need for achievement motivates entrepreneurial endeavours of various types, the distinctive conditions of franchising mean that franchisees neither possess, nor require, such high degrees of internal locus of control and ambiguity tolerance as do independent entrepreneurs.

The transformation of East Germany from a socialist to a market economy has brought about the need to restructure all East German firms. Managing this transformation process is comparable to the planning and controlling of a large project in a quickly changing economic environment. The main goal for the managers of firms in transition is to ensure the survival of their companies and to reduce the time required for the restructuring processes. The purpose of this study is to assess stochastic activity network analysis as a tool for the management of transformation. Network analysis allows to identify the necessary management activities, to plan the optimal sequence of these activities, and to control ongoing transformation processes. Our experiences so far suggest that the stochastic activity network technique GERT is a well suited technique for the analysis of transformation processes. To illustrate this new application of GERT, the study presents a simulation of a GERT activity network for the transformation process of a firm. The simulation is based on more than 20 in-depth case studies conducted in East Germany.

In the recent attempt to add an external wing to its economy, Singapore has been using its various agencies and instruments to promote the growth of micro enterprises and other types of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Recognising the potential contribution by entrepreneurs to help sustain economic growth for the country, the Singapore government is now embarking on a proactive public policy to motivate new business entrepreneurship.

This paper shows how the government has worked with industry to encourage entrepreneurship development. Particular attention is paid to the activities of various government agencies in relation to new business entrepreneurship and to the barriers of this activity in Singapore. The Singapore experience and programme offer useful insights for policy development and management by other countries in the region.

The ability to changes is vital for corporate survival and growth and knowledge is the engine of change. While consultancy is generally accociated with the West, we belive that the Asian heritage, particularly the Confucian reverence for knowledge and teachers, make Asian intellectuals best suited for performing the consultancy role effectively. But what exactly is the role of consultancy? What are the objectives and functions? And in what areas will Asian consultants stand out? Propective Asian consultants must be able to marry Westerm and Eastern business cultures and practices. The critical factors for success asd Asian international consultants will be examined.