Journal of Enterprising Culture

The aim of this research study is to test an integrative model of entrepreneurial opportunity recognition based on theories of cognition, social capital, environmental development and personality.

240 entrepreneurs in the services industry participated in this survey. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the model and find the factors that predict entrepreneurial opportunity recognition. Overall, eight hypotheses were tested and six were supported. Schema was found to be the strongest significant variable amongst all.

The study results indicate that entrepreneurs who discover opportunities organize prior knowledge and information related to their field in a manner that is easily accessible, have confidence in themselves, use social networks (both weak and strong ties) and see opportunities in changes in the economic environment.

The study implies that potential entrepreneurs should be supported in terms of their social networks and instructed in the beliefs about the information and changes in the environment needed to spot opportunities. Governments play a role in providing a munificent economic environment.

This exploratory study investigates how small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may engage in business development through internal corporate venturing (ICV). We show, based upon three case studies, how ICV in SMEs may be organised in a predominantly improvised manner wherein unforeseen new business opportunities are created in an emergent and iterative trial-and-error process without predetermined goals and without pre-planned strategies. This is a process, we argue, that resembles predominantly effectuation logic. The study contributes to the stream of extant ICV literature by focusing on how SMEs engage in ICV. Moreover, the study contributes to the development of effectuation theory by demonstrating that effectuation logic makes sense, not only in its original venture creation context as suggested by Sarasvathy, but also with regard to how established SMEs infuse more innovative thinking through improvised ICV activities. Findings illustrate that, overall, SMEs act more effectual than causational; and also more than parts of the ICV literature suggest. However, looking at SMEs' ICV activities over several years, it becomes apparent that effectual logics are combined with more causational, pre-planned strategic behaviour.

Addressing the need to identify distinctive skills for social entrepreneurs, we conducted an exploratory, qualitative study based on interviews with social entrepreneurs. We identified seven skills, three out of which have not been previously mentioned by entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship scholars. These skills include an ability to induce behavioral change and educate target groups; co-creation with multiple stakeholders; and developing solutions that aim to address the root cause of a social problem. Based on these findings, we provide recommendations for further research, as well as how the identified skills can be taught in experiential learning format.

In spite of the fact that public procurement is increasingly becoming a popular technique for small business empowerment, there are various challenges facing SMEs in public procurement. Using Nigeria as a platform, this paper examines barriers that hinder SMEs access to public procurement markets. Data were collected from literature review, analysis of documents and semi-structured interviews. The results show that lack of transparency in tendering often discourages SMEs from getting involved in public procurement in Nigeria. It further highlights the need for actions to address issues facing SMEs at different stages of the procurement process. By integrating research findings into existing knowledge, a taxonomy of techniques for enhancing SMEs access to public procurement is proposed. The taxonomy reveals specific schemes and measures to promote SME participation in public procurement. This will offer guidance to governments, policy makers and procurement experts on the implementation of SME-friendly procurement practices. The study adds to the on-going debates on the significance of public procurement policy on SME development.

Traditionally, women have had less access to education and have not been expected to run companies, positions typically reserved for men. However, this study demonstrates a trend toward tremendous support for women in business. The purpose of this paper was to gauge indigenous perceptions of the potential for women to own and lead businesses in three developing countries. Based on primary survey data from Thailand, China, and Vietnam, findings provide strong support for educating women, and indicate that women are perceived as being capable of owning and leading businesses and are believed to have the characteristics necessary to be business leaders.