Douglas W. Lyon

Enhancing Entrepreneurial Orientation Research: Operationalizing and Measuring a Key Strategic Decision Making Process

As a means to enhance prescriptive theory on a firm’s entrepreneurial orientation, this paper addresses the strengths and weaknesses of three approaches to measurement: managerial perceptions, firm behaviors, and resource allocations. We examine a set of recent studies employing these approaches, propose important contingencies regarding their use, and suggest that measurement accuracy can be improved by using a triangulation of methods. The paper concludes with a discussion of theoretical, resource availability, and interpretability considerations in measurement selection.

Issues of Research Design and Construct Measurement in Entrepreneurship Research: The past Decade:

Articles appearing in the mainstream entrepreneurship literature in the past decade are reviewed with respect to the methodologies employed. Journals reviewed include Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Journal of Business Venturing, Strategic Management Journal, Journal of Management, Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, Organization Science, Management Science, and Administrative Science Quarterly. Articles were systematically analyzed. Results indicate trends toward more multivariate statistics and some increase in the emphasis on reliability and validity over the past decade. The authors call for greater emphasis on multiple source data sets, increased emphasis on reliability and validity issues, the development of more sophisticated theoretical models and subsequent analysis, and more longitudinal research.

Inherent Limitations of Demographic Proxies in Top Management Team Heterogeneity Research

Top management team (TMT) heterogeneity—performance research using demographic indicators has contributed to strategic management by showing that top managers do indeed “matter” to firm outcomes. We argue, however, that limitations inherent in demographics-based TMT studies preclude their use in specifying how top managers influence their firms. This is an elemental problem because questions of how top managers can and should influence their firms are central to strategic management. Demographics-based TMT heterogeneity studies are limited by intrinsic trade-offs, which sacrifice: construct validity for measurement reliability; explanation for prediction; and prescription for description. We suggest “next steps” for improving the usefulness of future TMT studies (i.e., addressing the “how” question) by: (1) incorporating more substantive heterogeneity constructs, such as within-TMT power distributions, psychographic variances, and judgment differences; and (2) integrating qualitative research with the quantitative as a base for developing research questions that are more informed, salient, and interesting. We urge researchers to eschew demographic proxies, and instead direct their efforts toward more difficult, but potentially more rewarding, TMT issues.

Unraveling the Determinants and Consequences of an Inn ovation-Supportive Organizational Culture

The current research identifies constructs that are supportive of an innovative culture in small to medium-sized enterprises. A sample of 429 employees in 23 small to medium-sized manufacturing firms was used to identify constructs associated with an innovative culture. Supervisory support and reward system support are both positively related to an innovative culture. Perceived work overload is negatively related. Companies with cultures supportive of innovation tend to be smaller, have fewer formalized human resource practices, and less munificent resources. There is no direct relationship between an innovative culture and firm performance; however, when the competitive environment is changing rapidly firm earnings are enhanced by an innovative culture.

The Career Planning Essay

This article describes a written exercise designed to facilitate students’ critical reflections on their career aspirations and how they can best be achieved. Students write an essay that helps them develop and evaluate their career goals; reflect on the interrelationship between personal values, career goals, and lifestyle goals; and develop an action plan to achieve their goals. Instructions for faculty members wanting to incorporate this project into their class are included.

Transformational Leadership: Lessons from u.s. Experience

Abstract Todaysorganizations face increasingly demanding challenges. Leaders must continually not only question their organizations status quo, but also engage in a process of transformational change. In this article, we lead off with Craig Weatherups dramatic transformation of Pepsicos soft drink unit. Four essential elements of successful transformational leadership are illustrated with timely and relevant examples: move quickly and decisively, and create a sense of urgency; develop and communicate a vision and a plan set stretch goals and empower others to act; and take actions to institutionalize change.