Lumina S. Albert

The Role of Community in Crowdfunding Success: Evidence on Cultural Attributes in Funding Campaigns to “Save the Local Theater”:

Despite increased interest in examining the factors that influence crowdfunding success, the effects of community context have been relatively unexamined. We address this void by examining the role of cultural context in crowdfunding success. Our unique data set of crowdfunding projects to “save the local theater” are homogenous in their goal, allowing us to test whether crowdfunding campaigns in certain communities lead to better funding outcomes than others. Theoretically, our results suggest the need for further integration of community and cultural constructs into models of venture funding, as such variables may have more relevance than previously believed.

Quarrelsomeness in the workplace An exploration of the interpersonal construct within the organizational context

We identify “quarrelsomeness” as an important component in understanding destructive behaviors in organizational contexts. Quarrelsomeness has been studied both as a personality trait that generalizes over occasions and situations and as a reflection of interpersonal processes that unfold over time in association with event-specific cues. While a variety of studies have documented the role of quarrelsomeness in explaining behavior in interpersonal contexts, a review of the literature revealed few studies explicitly examining the influence of quarrelsomeness in organizational contexts. As work contexts typically involve frequent interpersonal interactions, it is plausible to expect that quarrelsomeness would be an influence on several organizationally relevant issues. The present article examines quarrelsomeness as a trait related to organizational issues such as dysfunctional conflict and workplace aggression, as a behavior that is likely to emerge in association with event-specific cues, and as a moderator of the association between organizational factors and individuals’ behavioral responses to these factors. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

From Social Value to Social Cognition: How Social Ventures Obtain the Resources They Need for Social Transformation

Abstract Academic and popular discussions of social entrepreneurship often point to the importance of social value creation in contributing to a social ventures success. Implied in these discussions is the assumption that the more pressing the social problem addressed by the mission or the greater the social value generated, the more successful and attractive the venture will be. The present theoretical framework uses social cognition theory to examine the link between dimensions of the social mission and the ventures appeal to resource providers, and suggests that the magnitude of social value created is only one of a broader set of mission characteristics that influence social venture outcomes, such as resource acquisition from potential resource providers. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Relational models and engagement: an attachment theory perspective

Purpose Researchers have explored contextual antecedents influencing engagement at work; yet, theory and empirical evidence suggest some individuals are more or less engaged than others. Using a relational framework based on attachment theory, the purpose of this paper is to suggest that relational models influence engagement through their influence on psychological availability and psychological safety. Study 1 examined whether attachment influences variability in engagement. Study 2 examined whether these effects could be replicated, and whether attachment influences engagement via individuals’ psychological availability and safety. Design/methodology/approach Two field studies using online self-report surveys (Study 1 n=203; Study 2 n=709). Findings Attachment-avoidance and attachment-anxiety were independently associated with lower levels of engagement, and psychological conditions mediated these relationships. Research limitations/implications Relational models explain predictable variability in engagement. Employees’ ability to engage may be constrained or facilitated by their stable relational models of attachment. Originality/value The study is one of the few examining individual differences in engagement.

Founding Resources and Intentional Exit Sales Strategies An Imprinting Perspective

The imprinting perspective suggests that the decisions made early in the life of a firm may have lasting impact on its ability to move in a strategic direction. Utilizing this perspective, we examine whether the initial strategic resources (human, financial, and technological) imprint ventures in regard to the existence of an exit sale strategy and with variations in three common exit sales strategies, namely, (a) sale of the firm’s share to the public market (initial public offering [IPO]), (b) sale to another firm (strategic acquisition), and (c) sale of the firm to another individual (private sale). Our results indicate that technological resources are related to the presence of an intended exit sale strategy. Furthermore, human, financial, and technological resources differentially impact the three sales strategies, and firm size moderates the imprinting effects of resources on exit outcomes differentially depending on the type of resource and exit strategy being considered. This work contributes to our limited understanding of exit sales strategies and demonstrates that different initial resources affect whether the firm has an exit sales strategy and imprint variations in the type of exit sale considered in unique ways. Furthermore, the article advances our understanding of the impact of size on exit sales strategies. Finally, this research adds to the imprinting literature by demonstrating (as many have proposed) that the start-up period is a sensitive period that imprints the firm with enduring consequences and outcomes.

The Neenan Company: rebuilding from a crisis

Synopsis The Neenan Company is a construction firm based in Fort Collins, Colorado, known for their efforts in pioneering the advancement of the design/build approach to construction. With a history of industry leadership, innovative contracting methods, and ethical business practices, the company now faces management, customer relations, and financial challenges. Serious structural problems were discovered in a number of public schools and other buildings built by the company. Thrown into a whirlwind of shock, Randy Myers, President of the company, must consider how to respond to the crisis, and how to prevent these issues in the future. Written from his perspective, this case provides a platform for considering the challenges that can result from industry innovation, ethical decision-making, and crisis management. Research methodology For the development of this case, the authors interviewed the top management at the Neenan Company: Founder David Neenan, President Randy Myers, and Donna Smith, Vice President of Business Development. The authors also interviewed current employees, previous employees of Neenan, representatives of school buildings built by Neenan, stakeholders, other experts in the construction field and existing customers of the company. The company made internal documents available to the authors, including financial statements and quality control and assessment tools, which were provided by Ryan Dellos, Chief Financial Officer. The authors surveyed financial documents and business documents to analyze pertinent information and data relevant to the case. All the interviews were recorded, coded, and analyzed to include multiple perspectives. Extensive online research was conducted on the construction industry and The Neenan Company which included several news articles and interviews on David and Randy. Additionally, the authors carefully studied the news reports by The Denver Post and other related press materials. Experts from the construction field and financial field provided assistance with data analysis and interpretation. The authors used a variety of academic resources to draw connections between the issues faced by Neenan and concepts discussed in business courses. Relevant courses and levels This case has applications in entrepreneurship, small business management, business ethics, leadership, organizational structure/design, and new venture management courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels. It also contains critical areas of decision-making relevant to an advanced strategic management course. The case can be introduced at any stage of the term, and is specifically relevant to discussions focussing on innovation and growth, corporate social responsibility, ethical decision-making, stakeholder theory, entrepreneurial crisis management, and long-term venture success.