John E. Butler

Informational networks, entrepreneurial action and performance

This paper develops a model that incorporates personal and business networks, firm action, and performance based on the existing literature. It explores the links between information and entrepreneurial-type action, and action and performance. Survey data was collected from a sample of 100 manufacturing firms in Thailand. Results show that entrepreneurs value the information they receive from their networks. However, there is little statistical support for tangible links between personal or business networks and entrepreneurial action and performance, or between action and performance.

Prior knowledge, bisociative mode of thinking and entrepreneurial opportunity identification

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships among prior knowledge, bisociative thinking mode and entrepreneurial opportunity identification in a sample of 197 technology-based entrepreneurs. Results indicate that bisociative thinking mode of an entrepreneur mediates the relationship between prior knowledge and entrepreneurial opportunity identification. In addition, the relationship between prior knowledge and entrepreneurial opportunity identification is stronger for high-technology entrepreneurs. Implications for research and practice are also discussed.

ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESSION, FIRM GROWTH AND PERFORMANCE

This research examines business succession in small firms by presenting and testing a succession outcome decision model that is affected by the impact of family, performance, and strategy. Succession has been seen as an important issue in firms of all sizes, but the issue can be a much more personal one for entrepreneurs. Data were collected from a sample of 294 entrepreneurs using a questionnaire. These entrepreneurs were asked about the likelihood of various succession options, strategy, performance, and issues related to their family. Results indicated that in firms where family members were seen as making a positive impact to the firms performance, entrepreneurs were more likely to see family member succession as the likely outcome. Historical performance did not have much impact on succession decisions, although expectations of poor future performance made family succession a less likely envisioned outcome.

Lions, tigers and alley cats: HRM's role in Asian business development

Abstract The purpose of this article is to summarize and integrate the articles appearing in this special issue within the unique economic and social context of East and Southeast Asia. The countries in this region of the world exhibit great diversity along various dimensions of economic and social development. Although they face many common challenges with respect to human resource management, the unique context and culture of each country dictates the specific nature of the challenge. A common theme running through the challenges facing each country is the need for change brought about by the Asian economic recession of the late 1990s and the need be competitive in the global marketplace.

LEARNING: KEY TO LEVERAGING THE VALUE OF A FRANCHISE

The organizational learning dynamics inherent in the franchise relationship provide the primary focus for this research. By encoding knowledge of the skills needed to suceed within the contractual arrangement, the franchisor can short cut the learning process for the franchisee. Once the franchising arrangement is established, both franchisees and franchisors have vested interest in maintaining high levels of organizational learning. In this research a model is presented that incorporates these learning dynamics, and relates them to entrepreneurial returns. Using a sample of heavy-duty truck franchisees, the relationship between different types of organizational learning and performance are explored. The results indicate that the franchising contract may actually act to limit the returns to the franchise relationship. Instead, it may encourage the franchisee to direct their learning efforts to skew returns in their favor. Successful franchisees were found to systematically value the franchise contractual and non-contractual information content more than less successful franchisees.