Richard Seymour

Defining Entrepreneurial Activity: Definitions Supporting Frameworks for Data Collection

This paper sets out definitions of the entrepreneur, entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial activity for the purpose of supporting the development of related indicators. The paper recognises the long history in this area and the contention and differences that have existed, and that continue to exist, between academics who have confronted this issue over the last two centuries. It deliberately adopts a more pragmatic approach based on two principles – relevance and measurability - resulting in definitions that are developed from both a bottom-up and top-down approach. Importantly, the definitions emphasise the dynamic nature of entrepreneurial activity and focus attention on action rather than intentions or supply/demand conditions. The paper concludes with an overview of policy implications arising from the definitions.

Opportunities for marketing researchers in international entrepreneurship

Purpose – Entrepreneurship is a growing phenomenon in world markets. In response, the past two decades have seen increasing attention given to research and theory development in the area of international entrepreneurship. However, contributions from marketing scholars have been minimal. The purpose of this paper is to define the emerging research field of international entrepreneurship and to explore opportunities for contribution to that field from marketing scholars.Design/methodology/approach – An overview of the field of entrepreneurship highlights the central notions of opportunity, human action, learning, and creativity and innovation. To this is added value exchange, a core focus of marketing theory. These concepts are then used to define international entrepreneurship and highlight opportunities for marketing researchers.Findings – There is considerable scope for marketing academics to contribute to the nascent field of international entrepreneurship which would, in turn, advance marketing theory....

Understanding Value Creation in Social Entrepreneurship: The Importance of Aligning Mission, Strategy and Impact Measurement

Abstract This paper explores and clarifies the significance of aligning mission, objectives and strategy with impact measurement in social entrepreneurship. We present a framework for understanding the value created by social entrepreneurs, presenting theoretical and practical insights into impact measurement. Drawing on case studies in Latin America, we suggest the presence of a ‘mission measurement paradox’ that affects social entrepreneurs in their attempts to measure social impact and understand value creation. The paradox suggests that social entrepreneurs are failing to evaluate their social impact with sufficient regard to their social mission. Preconceptions resulting from the use of traditional management approaches in social enterprises are presented, with guidance on how these can be avoided by both researchers and practitioners.

Defining Entrepreneurial Activity

This paper sets out definitions of the entrepreneur, entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial activity for the purpose of supporting the development of related indicators. The paper recognises the long history in this area and the contention and differences that have existed, and that continue to exist, between academics who have confronted this issue over the last two centuries. It deliberately adopts a more pragmatic approach based on two principles ? relevance and measurability - resulting in definitions that are developed from both a bottom-up and top-down approach. Importantly, the definitions emphasise the dynamic nature of entrepreneurial activity and focus attention on action rather than intentions or supply/demand conditions. The paper concludes with an overview of policy implications arising from the definitions.

Why Create Value for Others? An Exploration of Social Entrepreneurial Motives

Social entrepreneurs create value for and with target communities in need. This paper responds to calls for research addressing social entrepreneurs’ drive to benefit others. We draw from psychology to augment the understanding of motives in entrepreneurship before conducting a phenomenon‐driven, instrumental case study of social entrepreneurs’ motives. We find some emotions, such as entrepreneurial passion and frustration, lead to self‐oriented motives, while sympathy and empathy are precursors for other‐oriented motivations, such as altruism and social justice. This work provides a theoretical platform for future studies in entrepreneurial motivation that addresses the importance of nonfinancial motives and associated rewards for fostering engagement in the sector.

Overcoming the Challenges of Impact Investing: Insights from Leading Investors

Abstract Interest and activity around impact investment have increased significantly in recent years as businesses, governments and communities seek new solutions to enable an inclusive and sustainable society in the face of social and environmental challenges. Philanthropists, charitable foundations and institutional investors have been among the early adopters in implementing impact investment strategies and developing the field. Despite the initial enthusiasm for impact investment, many investors raise concerns as they begin to explore the practicalities of impact investing. This paper responds to these concerns by providing empirical insights on how leading institutional investors and charitable foundations have begun to develop impact investment strategies and overcome various trepidations. The findings reveal four main themes: a focus on financial-first investments; the importance of using established due-diligence processes; the opportunity to align mission and values; and, the value of networks and collaboration.

Behind Closed Doors: Opportunity identification through observational research

Purpose – To thrive in todays competitive marketplace, businesses constantly need to search for opportunities to develop and be tuned into consumers as innovators. With this in mind, the purpose of this paper is to further understandings of the ways in which consumers transform ordinary products to serve their everyday needs; and broaden appreciation of the role observational research plays in opportunity identification.Design/methodology/approach – A hermeneutic approach to observational research is adopted, incorporating both subjective personal introspection (SPI) and videography to discover one familys unusual usage behaviours.Findings – Analysis, following Holbrooks typology of consumer value, reveals examples of innovative behaviours for the four active consumer value types of efficiency, status, play and ethics, while identification of the reactive value types of aesthetics, esteem, excellence and spirituality proves more difficult.Research limitations/implications – This research suggests alter...