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The Effects Of Entrepreneurial Characteristics On Business Performance
[A CASE STUDY OF APEX PAINT LTD]
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Stevenson (1990) extends Drucker’s opportunity-based construct to include resourcefulness. This is based on research to determine the differences between entrepreneurial management and administrative management. He concludes that the hub of entrepreneurial management is the “pursuit of opportunity without regard to resources currently controlledâ€.
6. Resource- Based Entrepreneurship Theories
The Resource-based theory of entrepreneurship argues that access to resources by founders is an important predictor of opportunity based entrepreneurship and new venture growth (Alvarez & Busenitz, 2001).This theory stresses the importance of financial, social and human resources (Aldrich, 1999). Thus, access to resources enhances the individual’s ability to detect and act upon discovered opportunities (Davidson & Honing, 2003). Financial, social and human capital represents three classes of theories under the resource – based entrepreneurship theories.
ï¶ Financial Capital/Liquidity Theory
Empirical research has showed that the founding of new firms is more common when people have access to financial capital (Blanchflower et al, 2001, Evans & Jovanovic, 1989, and Holtz-Eakin et al, 1994). By implication this theory suggests that people with financial capital are more able to acquire resources to effectively exploit entrepreneurial opportunities, and set up a firm to do so (Clausen, 2006).
However , other studies contest this theory as it is demonstrated that most founders start new ventures without much capital, and that financial capital is not significantly related to the probability of being nascent entrepreneurs (Aldrich,1999, Kim, Aldrich & Keister, 2003, Hurst & Lusardi, 2004, Davidson & Honing, 2003).This apparent confusion is due to the fact that the line of research connected to the theory of liquidity constraints generally aims to resolve whether a founder’s access to capital is determined by the amount of capital employed to start a new venture Clausen (2006). In his view, this does not necessarily rule out the possibility of starting a firm without much capital. Therefore, founders access to capital is an important predictor of new venture growth but not necessarily important for the founding of a new venture (Hurst & Lusardi, 2004)
This theory argues that entrepreneurs have individual-specific resources that facilitate the recognition of new opportunities and the assembling of new resources for the emerging firm (Alvarez & Busenitz, 2001). Research shows that some persons are more able to recognize and exploit opportunities than others because they have better access to information and knowledge (Aldrich, 1999, Anderson &Miller, 2003, Shane 2000, 2003, Shane & Venkataraman, 2000).
ï¶ Social Capital or Social Network Theory
Entrepreneurs are embedded in a larger social network structure that constitutes a significant proportion of their opportunity structure (Clausen, 2006). Shane and Eckhardt (2003) says “an individual may have the ability to recognize that a given entrepreneurial opportunity exist, but might lack the social connections to transform the opportunity into a business startup. It is thought that access to a larger social network might help overcome this problemâ€.
In a similar vein, Reynolds (1991) mentioned social network in his four stages in the sociological theory. The literature on this theory shows that stronger social ties to resource providers facilitate the acquisition of resources and enhance the probability of opportunity exploitation (Aldrich & Zimmers, 1986).Other researchers have suggested that it is important for nascent founders to have access to entrepreneurs in their social network, as the competence these people have represents a kind of cultural capital that nascent ventures can draw upon in order to detect opportunities (Aldrich & Cliff, 2003., Gartner et al, 2004., Kim, Aldrich & Keister, 2003).
ï¶ Human Capital Entrepreneurship Theory
Underlying the human capital entrepreneurship theory are two factors, education and experience (Becker, 1975). The knowledge gained from education and experience represents a resource that is heterogeneously distributed across individuals and in effect central to understanding differences in opportunity identification and exploitation (Anderson & Miller, 2003, Chandler & Hanks, 1998, Gartner et al, 2005, Shane &Venkataraman, 2000).
Empirical studies show that human capital factors are positively related to becoming a nascent entrepreneur(Kim, Aldrich & Keister, 2003,Davidson & Honing,2003, Korunka et al, 2003), increase opportunity recognition and even entrepreneurial success (Anderson & Miller, 2003,Davidson & Honing,2003).
The purpose of this research was to examine the theories and research outcomes of entrepreneurship. From the above discussions it is clear that the field of entrepreneurship have some interesting and relevant theories (ranging from economic, psychological, sociological, anthropological, opportunity-based, to resource-based) which are underpinned by empirical research evidence. This development holds a rather brighter future for the study, research, and practice of entrepreneurship.
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ABSRACT - [ Total Page(s): 1 ]ABSTRACTThe study examined the effect of entrepreneurial characteristics on business performance. The main objectives of the study were to find out the effect of entrepreneurial characteristic on business performance with the case study of APEX paint Ltd. The research also described the performance of the business based on the characteristics exhibited by the entrepreneurs. Quantitative research method was used in the study. The total population of the study is 290, while relevant data was gathe ... Continue reading---
QUESTIONNAIRE - [ Total Page(s): 3 ]QUESTIONNAIRETHE EFFECTS OF ENTREPRENEURIAL CHARACTERISTICS ON BUSINESS PERFORMANCE (Apex Paints Ltd)COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL SCIENCESDEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIPKWARA STATE UNIVERSITY, MALETE.Dear Sir/Ma, This questionnaire is designed to acquire information on the effect of entrepreneurial characteristics on business performance in Nigeria. In order to enable me carry out this research work. All information collected from you shall be treated with ... Continue reading---
TABLE OF CONTENTS - [ Total Page(s): 1 ]TABLE OF CONTENTSContentsCertification Declaration Dedication Acknowledgements Table of Contents List of Tables Abstract CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1Background of the Study 1.2 Statement of Research Problem 1.3 Research Aim and Objectives 1.4 Research Questions 1.5 Research Hypotheses 1.6 Significance of the Study 1.7 Limitation of the Study 1.8 Scope of the Study 1.9 Outline of Chapters 1.10 Operationalization 1.11 Definition of Terms CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE ... Continue reading---
CHAPTER ONE - [ Total Page(s): 3 ]CHAPTER ONEINTRODUCTION1.1 Background of the Study Starting from the time of report of the fascinating study of entrepreneurs by McClelland (1961) in which he came out with a list of nine characteristics of the entrepreneur, several other writers have equally illuminated the list of entrepreneur characteristics. McClelland (1961) listed the following characteristics of entrepreneur; need for achievement, desire for responsibility, preference for moderate risks, perception of probabil ... Continue reading---
CHAPTER THREE - [ Total Page(s): 4 ]CHAPTER THREERESEARCH METHODOLOGY3.1 Introduction This chapter describes the various methods and techniques used to collect and analyze the data gathered for the study to gain a deeper understanding of the topic under study. The data collection stage is important since the result of the analysis is dependent on the quality of the data obtained. Therefore, the method selected for data collection must be the most appropriate to assist in achieving the objectives of the study.3.2 R ... Continue reading---
CHAPTER FOUR - [ Total Page(s): 14 ]The F-Test (ANOVA)This is used to test the overall statically significant of the variables. It is meant to test the overall significance of the entire model as regards the dependent variable. It checks the joint variance of the explanatory variables. The level of significance to be used is 5%. Hence, if the probability is ≤ 0.05, the explanatory variables’ parameter estimates will be jointly statistically significant.a. Predictors: (Constant), market, innovationThe correlation betwe ... Continue reading---
CHAPTER FIVE - [ Total Page(s): 4 ]ï¶ Neo-classical Theory The neo-classical model emerged from the criticisms of the classical model and indicated that economic phenomena could be relegated to instances of pure exchange, reflect an optimal ratio, and transpire in an economic system that was basically closed. The economic system consisted of exchange participants, exchange occurrences, and the impact of results of the exchange on other market actors. The importance of exchange coupled with diminishing marginal utility c ... Continue reading---
REFRENCES - [ Total Page(s): 1 ]REFERENCESAfonja, B. (1999). Entrepreneurship Management, Lagos: Adoki Press (1st Edition).Basheer, O. (2005). Developing Small Scale Business Enterprise, Kano: Abubakar PressBurnett, C. (2000). Entrepreneurship, London: University Press.Brochlans, L. (1982). Managing Small Business Enterprise, Manchester: Paula Co. (1st Ed).Egbe, O. (2006). Entrepreneurship Development in Nigeria, Journal of Management. Retrieved on the 24/05/012 from http://www.wikibooks.com Litvaket and Mance, F. (1999). Mana ... Continue reading---
