Stephen Ko

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.

Viability of social enterprises: the spillover effect

Purpose – This paper seeks to address the questions of how and why the negative consequences emanating from a stricken social enterprise spread to other social enterprises, threatening viability of social enterprises as a whole.Design/methodology/approach – Based on social categorization theory, a conceptual model is developed to understand how and why the perception of stakeholders on one single, stricken social enterprise can spread to other social enterprises, and ultimately affecting viability of social enterprises.Findings – A conceptual model outlines how a violation of the legitimacy of a single social enterprise results in bad perception of this stricken enterprise, and which in turn evokes negative responses from stakeholders. Then stakeholders are likely to further conclude that other social enterprises may have similar problems. As a result, they spread their negative responses to other social enterprises as the initially stricken enterprise. These negative consequences can seriously damage a s...

Knowledge Transfer, Perceived Environmental Turbulence and Innovation in China

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions of individual entrepreneurs on the operating environments as potential opportunities or threats, which influence the relationship between knowledge transfer and innovation by drawing on the threat‐rigidity thesis and prospect theory.Design/methodology/approach – The authors examine the relationships among knowledge transfer, perceived environmental turbulence and innovation, using data from a mail survey of 66 technology‐based entrepreneurs in China.Findings – Results showed that knowledge transfer was positively related to innovation, but that this relationship was moderated by perceived environmental turbulence.Research limitations/implications – Research limitations of this paper include causality, common method bias, and generalizability. In future research, it may be helpful to use field experiments and longitudinal research designs, and to replicate this research in other industries and contexts.Practical implications – This research ...

The Minimum Wage Policy in Hong Kong

An across-the-board statutory minimum wage (SMW) will come into effect in Hong Kong on 1 May 2011. We draw on theoretical arguments for and against a SMW policy, examining empirical evidence outside Hong Kong to suggest an agenda for research. The anti-poverty argument for a SMW implies that the SMW rate should significantly exceed the comprehensive social security assistance (CSSA) monthly payment rate of HK

How relevant is the MBA: A revisit

4095. However, the anti-poverty argument is problematic because of the complexity of the poverty problem. The unemployment argument against a SMW has a lower level of consensus today than it did three decades ago because of conflicting empirical results. The theory of a monopsonistic labour market is the leading theoretical explanation for this situation. It is an empirical question if the labour market that hires low-wage workers in Hong Kong is monopsonistic or competitive. The source of monopsony power and the effects of an across-the-board SMW can differ among industries depending on the difference between the industry average wage rates and the SMW. Firms that hire low-wage workers can also adjust differently, depending on their competitiveness in their product markets. Empirical investigations can help improve policy making with informed decision making.

Are we in sync? How industry practitioners and academics profile managerial competencies: A study of an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business–accredited business school in Hong Kong

Abstract The master of business administration (MBA) is the centerpiece of management education and holds the promise of systematically preparing its graduates for their managerial roles. However, there is escalating criticism that MBA programs are losing their relevance based on empirical evidence that competencies indicated by managers to be most critical are least represented in core MBA curricula. The authors re-examine the evidence and argue that the misalignment appears to be overstated. Consideration for relevance in preparing graduates for managerial roles needs to consider not only curricula, but also actual learning, social capital from the alumni network, and the signaling effect of graduating from an MBA program.

Creativity: A key link to entrepreneurial behavior

ABSTRACT The authors draw on the taxonomy of managerial competencies to assess the alignment of perceptions between industry practitioners and business academics when profiling managerial competencies required for effective performance in workplaces. Findings show that the set of managerial competency profiles, as viewed by practitioners, generally fit well with the perceptions of business academics as represented in the intended learning outcomes specified in the undergraduate business programs. It suggests that the targeted managerial competencies built around business curricula are largely in sync with the expectations of practitioners. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.