Nicholas P. Robinson

Entrepreneurs because they are Immigrants or Immigrants because they are Entrepreneurs? A Critical Examination of the Relationship between the Newcomers and the Establishment

Conventional wisdom suggests that immigrants are forced into selfemployment. Although there is veracity in this assertion, it is equally probable that there is a certain level of entrepreneurial drive and spirit exhibited when an individual departs from his or her homeland. This article provides a much-needed and critical second look at the realm of ethnic entrepreneurship and in particular, the two-way relationship between the immigrant entrepreneur and the established business community. Isomorphism is seen to ebb and flow among newcomers and existing institutions. Mimetic behaviour as well as the introduction of innovations is seen to occur on both sides of a bilateral exchange.

Offensive and Defensive Corporate Entrepreneurship: Learning to Think Like an Outsider

This conceptual study describes an approach to corporate entrepreneurship using an outsider perspective – learning to think like an outsider. Three propositions using this perspective are examined in the context of offensive and defensive corporate entrepreneurship. The impact of market conditions on entrepreneurship are used as a basis for developing these propositions. Finally, we investigate the factors that have a significant impact on the success of entrepreneurial efforts by the firm. These variables include: processes, values, resources, organizational structure, corporate culture, and leadership. We use examples of how mature corporations have responded, with particular attention to the changes confronted by Research In Motion (RIM).

It’s uphill all the way to the top, regardless of mountain size: RepositBox’s search for a suitable path to go to market

Purpose This case aims to illustrate the hurdles that a young venture might experience in the early stages of its life cycle and showcase how managers must use ingenuity to climb over obstacles. Design/methodology/approach The case is based on interviews with the founders and additional secondary data. Findings RepositBox, a Canadian-based provider of credentials verification solutions, is a new venture coping with the challenges posed by the introduction of its innovative new product to the marketplace. Originality/value The case is suitable for use in undergraduate or graduate courses in new venture creation, entrepreneurial marketing and launching a technology-based enterprise.