Todd W. Moss

Long-term orientation: Implications for the entrepreneurial orientation and performance of family businesses

Long-term orientation (LTO), defined as the tendency to prioritize the long-range implications and impact of decisions and actions that come to fruition after an extended time period, is a common characteristic of many family businesses. Prior research is equivocal regarding whether an LTO contributes to or detracts from family firm outcomes. Of particular interest is the extent to which family business can be entrepreneurial given an LTO. Drawing on the concept of entrepreneurial orientation (EO), propositions that relate long- and short-term management time horizons of family firms to five dimensions of EO (innovativeness, proactiveness, risk taking, competitive aggressiveness and autonomy) are developed. Specifically, we propose that an LTO will be positively associated with innovativeness, proactiveness, and autonomy but negatively associated with risk taking and competitive aggressiveness. We also address the long- and short-term implications of EO on the performance of family firms, and identify issues to consider in future research into the EO–LTO relationship.

Dual Identities in Social Ventures: An Exploratory Study

Drawing on the organizational identity literature, this exploratory study examines the dual identities of award–winning social ventures recognized by FastCompany magazine and the Skoll Foundation. Specifically, we use computer–assisted content analysis to explore identities as reflected in organizational mission statements. Our findings demonstrate that these externally recognized social ventures do exhibit dual identities—a utilitarian organizational identity (i.e., entrepreneurial, product oriented) and a normative organizational identity (i.e., social, people oriented). Further, when compared with the mission statements of other high–performing entrepreneurial enterprises culled from the Inc. 500, our post hoc analysis suggests that social ventures manifest a greater normative identity and an equivalent utilitarian identity.

Strategic Consistency of Exploration and Exploitation in Family Businesses

This study advances family business research by examining how the strategic consistency with which family businesses pursue exploration and exploitation initiatives affects performance. Using panel data of 94 family businesses operating in four high-tech industries over 12 years, we find that higher strategic consistency—continuity with past exploration and exploitation strategies stemming from managerial intentionality—yields higher levels of performance. This relationship is also moderated by environmental dynamism, munificence, and organizational size, which demonstrates the contingent and complex nature of the main relationship. Furthermore, in contrast to 113 nonfamily businesses, we find that the main relationship is stronger for family businesses.

The Use of Secondary Data in Social Entrepreneurship Research: Assessing the Field and Identifying Future Opportunities

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the current prevalence of empirical research in the field of social entrepreneurship. Further, we identify secondary datasets and explain their relative strengths and weaknesses for use by social entrepreneurship scholars. Methods The authors conducted a search of academic articles in the EBSCO and ProQuest databases mentioning social entrepreneurship, social venture(s), social enterprise(s), or social entrepreneur(s) in the title, abstract, or keywords published from 2009 to 2013. Papers were coded and analyzed based upon the nature of their methods. Findings We find that while qualitative studies are still the norm, quantitative methods are increasing, thanks to the creation of large-scale datasets and the use of analysis techniques new to the field. Three such large-scale datasets – the PSED II, GEM, and nonprofit tax collections – are discussed in depth. We find several strengths and weaknesses for each dataset, yet each provides social entrepreneurship scholars with fruitful opportunities. Value of chapter Through a deeper understanding of empirical research and sources of social entrepreneurship data, scholars may be more attracted to social entrepreneurship, better equipped to conduct high-quality research and publish in high-quality outlets. Moreover, by moving beyond case studies and small-sample research to engaging larger pools of subjects and producing more generalizable findings, social entrepreneurship scholars will have the ability to impact a much broader scope of practitioners.

Design Considerations When Using Edge-Mounted Heat Pipes in Space Radiators

An effort to create a design tool for the evaluation of potential heat-pipe fin designs, specifically for flat-plate heat-pipe fins used as space radiators, has been carried out. The axial temperature distribution along the fin was derived using an energy balance. The solution to the differential equation for the temperature distribution was found using the finite difference method. From this solution, the heat transfer from the fin was found, and the efficiency of the fin was calculated. The resulting efficiencies were then plotted as design charts based on the critical parameters. When compared to experimental results of four different tests from the literature, the model yielded good results. The fin model was also used to consider improvements to existing satellites. The Viking 1 and 2 orbiters, each with a SNAP-19 radioisotope thermal generator, were studied.

Blame You, Blame Me: Exploring Attribution Differences and Impact in Family and Nonfamily Firms:

We explore how publicly listed family and nonfamily firms engage in self-serving attributions in their annual financial reports. We empirically examine how both types of firms emphasize internal attributions for good firm performance (internal-positive attributions) and external attributions for poor firm performance (external-negative attributions). We find that family firms make more external-negative attributions and that the stock market reacts more negatively to external-negative attributions made by family firms. This suggests important theoretical and practical implications for attribution theory and impression management in family firm research.