Journal of Enterprising Culture

Network ties help international new ventures (INVs) achieve success. However, researchers have paid little attention to the duration of network ties and the impact of duration on performance. I draw on network analysis and the resources-based view to examine this area and propose a conceptual model that depicts the variables and mediating factors for INV performance. The model explains how INVs acquire, manage and exploit ties to achieve superior performance. I argue that resource-constrained INVs can minimize their investment of time and capital, and maximize the economic effect of ties, by using briefer time periods and short-term projects. I also propose that INVs adopt a 'hedging' or portfolio approach to managing ties, by collecting larger number of prospects to reduce uncertainty. The model and propositions contribute to the body of literature in network analysis and INVs. The paper highlights implications for research and practice.

The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to understand how owners of family businesses select and develop life goals. Findings indicate life goals are substantially influenced and impacted by parents, mentors and influential "others". The selection and development of life goals required a high level of self-confidence in their own knowledge, skills, and abilities with the attitude to make things happen. A faith in a higher being contributed to the belief and feeling that they were at the right place at the right time and possessed the correct knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitude to take advantage of the opportunities placed before them. A strong desire for personal independence influenced the selection and development of the family business as a life goal.

This paper serves as an overview of a decade of the authors' theoretical reviews, participant observations, empirical studies, quasi-experimental research, qualitative interviews, personal consulting, firm incubation, and action research with firms, clusters, and regional groups in both the information technology and biotechnology sectors in Finland. Interpretations of our findings are told using a narrative format, based on Nordic mythology. This story-telling approach is used to express the perceptions of entrepreneurship by various players in society. It discusses what happens when public policies are based on perceptions very different from, and in potential conflict, with those of the would-be entrepreneur. The paper addresses the current and very real problem in many Nordic countries where enormous efforts are invested in pushing technology creation assuming at the simultaneous creation of entrepreneurial high growth firms. Results show extremely low entrepreneurial activity and declining interest towards entrepreneurship as a career alternative. For those firms that do emerge growth does not seem to be the primary goal. The conclusions are discussed in terms of the long term prognosis for developing an entrepreneurial society in economically advanced nations to take advantage of the technological developments supported by governmental research funding.

This is a comparative study about the assimilation and integration of migrant entrepreneurs of Chinese and Indian origins. The research is based on surveys of 320 entrepreneurs who migrated to Manchester and 885 entrepreneurs whose ancestors moved to Singapore. With the dramatic change in national cultures associated with such migration, the study sought to identify the emergence of differences over time in the business behaviour and adherence to traditional family values. The main finding of the study is that these migrant communities are willing to adapt in terms of their traditional family values and that their lack of integration into mainstream society should not be ascribed to their strict adherence to such values.