Simon Heinrichs

Who becomes an entrepreneur? A 30-years-review of individual-level research

This article reviews the theoretical background and cumulates findings of 126 published studies (1980 - 2009) on individual determinants of entrepreneurial status. We categorize determinants into one of six paradigms (trait, cognitive, affective, intentions, learning, and economic) and review findings for 46 repeatedly studied variables. We then examine trends in the field and propose an agenda for future research. Our article complements prior reviews and meta-analyses by picturing the breadth of the field and adding important points to the research agenda.

Spawned with a Rusty Spoon: How and When Can Spin-Outs Cope with Parent Hostility?

Prior research has focused on the performance implications of positive or neutral parent-child relationships, but neglected negative, conflict-laden relationships. Drawing on embeddedness theory, we investigated whether and when parent hostility (degree to which a parent firm disapproves the spawning of an own spin-out) affects spin-out performance and how spin-outs can effectively react to it. Analyses of 144 technology spin-outs support our arguments that spin-outs suffer from hostility. Hostility consequences are, however, less severe if market turbulence is high or if the spin-out pursues effective network development.