scholarly journals Student venture creation: developing social networks within entrepreneurial ecosystems in the transition from student to entrepreneur

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kjersti Kjos Longva
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Venture Creation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Student Entrepreneurship ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems ◽  
Identity Processes ◽  
Student Entrepreneurs ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Gain Access

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to provide insight into how students navigate entrepreneurial ecosystems and make use of social networks as they create their own ventures. Such ecosystems for students are an understudied phenomenon and there is a need for more profound insights into the issue in order to build better support systems for student entrepreneurs. The study aims to increase understanding on the elements that are important in students' entrepreneurial ecosystems and how these impact on students' venture creation processes, with emphasize on the role social networks play. Student entrepreneurs account for a substantial number of the startups that come into being at universities. Understanding more about how the surroundings affects this process is important for facilitating student entrepreneurship in higher education.Design/methodology/approachThe study is qualitative and makes use of in-depth interviews with student entrepreneurs, educators and support actors in the ecosystems. Multiple actors were interviewed in order to capture different perspectives on the matter, with a total of 15 interviews conducted.FindingsTwo main findings arose from the study. First, it provides insight into elements that are perceived as important for student venture creation by the student entrepreneurs themselves, by educators and by support actors in the ecosystems. Second, it describes how the elements make up the entrepreneurial ecosystems surrounding the students, which serve as platforms from which students can develop their social networks. Therefore, the study highlights how such ecosystems can serve as sources from which students can gain access to ideas, resources and identity processes.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of the study is that the interviews took place in one country. Consequently, further investigation is necessary to establish whether the findings are valid in other contexts. The research has implications for higher educational institutions, policymakers and researchers concerned with student entrepreneurship and student venture creation.Originality/valueThe study contributes empirical findings on a topic that is currently not well understood and on which there are few empirical studies. While student ventures represent a substantial proportion of university spin-offs, the topic has received little attention compared to research on academic entrepreneurship. The study represents a step towards enhancing understanding of students' entrepreneurial ecosystems and how students gain access to resources through social network ties within these systems.

scholarly journals Social networks and unemployment exit in Great Britain

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (8) ◽  
pp. 1205-1226
Author(s):  
Panos Sousounis ◽  
Gauthier Lanot
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Unemployment Duration ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Job Seekers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Job Attainment ◽  
Discrete Time Hazard Model ◽  
Direct Measures

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect employed friends have on the probability of exiting unemployment of an unemployed worker according to his/her educational (skill) level. Design/methodology/approach In common with studies on unemployment duration, this paper uses a discrete-time hazard model. Findings The paper finds that the conditional probability of finding work is between 24 and 34 per cent higher per period for each additional employed friend for job seekers with intermediate skills. Social implications These results are of interest since they suggest that the reach of national employment agencies could extend beyond individuals in direct contact with first-line employment support bureaus. Originality/value Because of the lack of appropriate longitudinal information, the majority of empirical studies in the area assess the influence of social networks on employment status using proxy measures of social interactions. The current study contributes to the very limited empirical literature of the influence of social networks on job attainment using direct measures of social structures.

Cultivating social capital: an exploratory analysis of business postgraduates in Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Desmond Tutu Ayentimi ◽  
Robert Ebo Hinson ◽  
John Burgess
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Career Development ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Social Resources ◽  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
Positive Finding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Identity Processes

PurposeThis paper, grounded on social capital and social networking theory, examines how postgraduate students in Ghana cultivate and utilise social resources towards career development.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a qualitative study design, the authors recruited and conducted interviews with postgraduate student-workers undertaking a two-year Master of Science in International Business.FindingsThere was an active engagement and consciously pre-plan mobilisation of social resources and utilisation of social resources among the postgraduates. Despite the diverse processes of social capital development identified, four important key themes emerged underpinning social capital mobilisation and utilisation: (1) the recognition of the importance of social capital acquisition, (2) the strong link between social capital and individual successes in employment and business opportunities, (3) the importance of the utilisation of social resources for emotional support and (4) the use of social capital to reinforce the individual social identity and recognition of an individual's worth.Practical implicationsThe authors offer a theoretical and practical contribution with a frame of understanding by demonstrating that there is more to social capital than economic gain.Social implicationsUnlike the findings from prior research in Africa, the strong institutional and cultural conditions did not constrain the key force of education and employability as drivers in attainment and social positioning. This is an interesting and positive finding from the research, especially in terms of the importance of providing educational opportunities to overcome institutional and cultural barriers to workforce participation and career development.Originality/valueSocial networks contribute to career success, and while the participants used social networks that reinforced ethnic and religious bonds, there is the opportunity to develop networks through other identity processes, especially education. Formal education imparts more than formal skills and qualifications. It provides the opportunity to access networks that transcend personal identity such as ethnicity and to get support for career development.

Prescriptive strategies to combat corruption within the administration of justice sector in Nigeria

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gbenga Oduntan
Keyword(s):  
Justice System ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Vice President ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Original Analysis ◽  
Administration Of Justice ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose A new republic has just begun in Nigeria in 2015 with the election of two anti-corruption crusaders as President and Vice president, respectively. Although very few empirical studies exist on the subject of corruption within the justice system in Nigeria the intolerable popular impression is that the machinery of justice in Nigeria is quite notoriously corrupt. The aim of this paper is to identify strategies and mechanisms that will enhance the professionalism, effectiveness, integrity, accountability and transparency of the organisations within Nigeria’s administration of justice system both at the federal and state levels including Ministries of Justice, the Police, the Prison Service, immigration, customs and even the Bar. Design/methodology/approach Literature research is used to examine the problem. The author looks at corruption in the context of Nigerian laws. He tabulates the offences within the scope of the prohibition against corruption in Nigeria, as well as the incidences of corruption within the various sections of the criminal justice system. The prescriptive recommendations are divided into short-, medium- and long-term measures. Findings That corruption is actually prevalent in all areas of the Nigerian justice system. It is crucial that an impression must be made by the new administration in this area within a very short frame of time to arrest the situation and to reverse the damage caused so far. Research limitations/implications Word limit has not enabled us to go into deeper analysis. Lack of objective studies done from within the Nigeria justice sector itself on the manifestation of corruption. Originality/value Very original analysis based on unique insight into the issue as academics, lawyers and practitioners within Nigerian anticorruption institutions.

Organizational play: within and beyond managing

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virpi Tökkäri
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to synthetize qualitative research on play in the organizational context. Design/methodology/approach – Through a metasynthesis, the research premises and findings of 12 individual empirical studies were examined. Findings – The findings of the metasynthesis showed that the research on organizational play has focussed on three central themes addressing play as fun, pros and cons of organizational play, and management of play. In interpreting the findings, seven perspectives of organizational play are constructed as follows: authenticity, belongingness, experience, social activities, generating, functions, and artifacts. The perspectives are conceptualized into three dimensions of play as the orientation of being-in-the-world, play as meaning-making and enactment, and play as creations. Research limitations/implications – The sample consisted of 12 studies, which provided a limited insight into organizational play. However, following the guidelines of metasynthesis, the sample was appropriate and of good quality. The research suggests guidelines for further research into organizational play. Practical implications – Achieving psychosocial well-being at work and success in management requires understanding of essential personal and social processes, such as play. The findings provide knowledge that can be applied in management and other workplace practices. Originality/value – The study highlights the divergent perspectives of the organizationally important phenomenon of play. The paper contributes to a better understanding and the development of play in organizations.

scholarly journals An exploratory study of entrepreneurial social networks in the digital age

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fang Zhao ◽  
Llandis Barratt-Pugh ◽  
Peter Standen ◽  
Janice Redmond ◽  
Yuliani Suseno
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Digital Age ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Networks ◽  
Research Stream ◽  
New Research ◽  
The Impact

PurposeDrawing on social network and social capital literature, this study aims to explore how digital entrepreneurs utilize social networks to build their entrepreneurial capability, creating and developing business ventures in a digitally networked society.Design/methodology/approachThe study takes a qualitative approach, interviewing 35 digital entrepreneurs with businesses operating across multiple industry sectors in Western Australia.FindingsThe findings suggest that structural social capital provides a key resource with groups of relational contacts who facilitate in building entrepreneur capability, the venture and customer markets. Relational social capital provides a foundation of trust between entrepreneurs and social network members that is strategically important for digital entrepreneurship (DE). Cognitive social capital provides mechanisms to form relationships based on shared values across social networks.Research limitations/implicationsThe study produces early evidence that in a multiplexed networking world, social capital accrual and use online is different from that of off-line. More empirical studies are needed to understand the complexity of the changing nature of online and off-line social networks, the consequential social capital and their interdependence in DE.Practical implicationsThis is an exploratory qualitative study using a limited sample of 35 Australian digital entrepreneurs to explore the impact of social network interaction on digital entrepreneurs and their ventures, with the purpose of stimulating a social network approach when studying DE. This study confirms the critical importance of entrepreneurial social networks in the digital age and provides empirical evidence that online networks foster business development, while off-line networks feed self-development.Originality/valueThe study contributes to current research on DE as a dedicated new research stream of entrepreneurship. Specifically, the study contributes to a greater understanding of how digital entrepreneurs leverage social networks in today's digitally connected society.

scholarly journals A Dyadic View on the Post-separation Network of Single Mothers

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 72-96
Author(s):  
Dimitri Mortelmans ◽  
Wendy Verheyen
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Single Mothers ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Coping Resources ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Network Member ◽  
The Social ◽  
Quantitative Changes ◽  
Insight Into

Many empirical studies have focused on the quantitative changes in the social networks of divorced and separated people. In this qualitative study, we use interviews with dyads to construct a two-sided view of the support network after separation. The aim of the study is to gain insight into the needs for support after a relational breakup. Including a network member in the analysis enables a more detailed view on the interaction at hand in the bond between these women and their supportive network members. The results show that personal coping resources are left untouched. Giving advice on ones daily activities is counter-productive. This is better understood by non family members compared to the women’s parents (especially the mother). With respect to the reciprocity in these relationships, network members do not expect a return in the period after the separation.

scholarly journals The entrepreneurial diary – a reflective learning activity to enhance the judgmental abilities of student entrepreneurs

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustav Hägg
Keyword(s):  
Reflective Thinking ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Learning Activity ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Venture Creation ◽  
Important Place ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Student Entrepreneurs

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to theorize how to develop student entrepreneurs' ability to reflect by means of a learning activity called the entrepreneurial diary, which seeks to develop self-regulated learners capable of intelligent entrepreneurial action. The importance of self-regulation in entrepreneurship is linked to the individual's ability to make judgments under conditions of uncertainty, which requires reflective thinking.Design/methodology/approachThe paper builds on a synthesized conceptualization of three main literature strands, reflective thinking, cognitive-load theory and experiential entrepreneurship education. In addition to the synthesized conceptualization, it builds on some empirical insights derived from a venture creation master programme in which the learning activity has been developed and refined for the last seven years.FindingsThe main finding from the paper is the theoretical justification for why reflective thinking deserves an important place in the educational process and how the entrepreneurial diary as a learning activity can create a bridge between theory and practice in venture creation programmes that take an experience-based pedagogical approach. Furthermore, the study also provides some empirical insights of how students create self-awareness of their learning through the method and the metareflection reports. Self-awareness is foundational for developing conditional knowledge on why and when to make entrepreneurial decisions to balance the often action-oriented processes seen in venture creation programmes.Originality/valueThe paper provides both a practical learning activity to be used in the entrepreneurial classroom and a theoretical contribution on how entrepreneurial experience is transformed into entrepreneurial knowledge to enhance students' judgmental abilities to make entrepreneurial decisions in future entrepreneurial endeavours.

Technology and talent: capturing the role of universities in regional entrepreneurial ecosystems

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aileen Huang-Saad ◽  
Nathalie Duval-Couetil ◽  
Jongho Park
Keyword(s):  
Regional Development ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Research Administration ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems ◽  
Academic Settings ◽  
Ann Arbor ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper describes the entrepreneurial ecosystems of three public research universities involved in the National Science Foundation (NSF) Midwest I-Corps TM (trademark symbol) Node. It presents a synthesis of programming, functional structure, commonly referenced university metrics and their limitations in measuring impact on commercialization and regional development. Design/methodology/approach Based on current literature, university data and discussions with entrepreneurship leaders at the University of Michigan/Ann Arbor, University of Illinois/Urbana Champaign and Purdue University, this paper provides an overview and analysis of entrepreneurial resources and education initiatives. Findings University contributions to entrepreneurial ecosystems can be described with respect to infrastructure and leadership, technology and talent and culture of innovation. Four main university entities are responsible for driving entrepreneurship initiatives. Identification of these entities, their respective activities and their outcomes allows us to propose a framework for analyzing and measuring university entrepreneurial ecosystem impact. Practical implications The paper describes the variety of university-based entrepreneurial initiatives believed to contribute to university entrepreneurial vibrancy and ultimately regional development. It identifies ecosystem stakeholders and provides a framework for examining their role and impact for continuous development. Originality/value The research complements prior reviews and empirical studies of university-wide entrepreneurial ecosystems by focusing on programming within and across institutions according to four dimensions (academic, research administration, technology transfer and community engagement) with respect to technology and talent development. It describes similarities across institutions and limitations associated with measuring impact. It provides a foundation for future empirical research related to the impact of NSF I-Corps and entrepreneurial programming in academic settings.

Predicting entrepreneurial intentions of freshmen students from EAO modeling and personal background

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 180-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wassim J. Aloulou
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Personal Control ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intentions ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Student Entrepreneurship ◽  
Freshmen Students ◽  
New Research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of personal background and entrepreneurial attitudes on entrepreneurial intentions of Saudi Freshmen students of Al Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University. After reviewing the literature and related theories on entrepreneurship, attitudes and intentions, this study provides a conceptual framework trying to identify the effects of most influential factors on individual’s intention to become an entrepreneur. Design/methodology/approach Through a survey study developed from previous empirical studies, the paper aims to investigate the significant elements of intentions from a sample of 103 students randomly selected. This study is both descriptive and analytical using correlations and multiple regressions. Findings The findings show that significant correlations among variables were found. The achievement and innovation attitudes are significant elements to entrepreneurial intentions. Students scored quite high on them, but, moderate on personal control and self-esteem attitudes. Students might have a real intention for starting their own businesses later that could be sustained during their studies at university. Additionally, entrepreneurs among relatives and entrepreneurship training were also the other significant elements to intentions. Research Limitations/implications Implications for future research are described and some pragmatic recommendations are provided to promote students’ entrepreneurial initiatives and behaviors at university. Social Implications The exploratory analysis suggests the need to develop more the awareness of students to entrepreneurship as potential career choice to help them to be active in the society. Originality/value In this paper, the Entrepreneurial Attitude Orientation model is validated for a Saudi university considered as a specific context. Broader reflections about a freshman student entrepreneurship as refocused research agenda is also considered by undertaking some new research and developing a comprehensive and contextual framework.

Commitment profiles of nascent entrepreneurs: insights from an empirical taxonomy among French student entrepreneurs

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laetitia Gabay-Mariani ◽  
Jean-Pierre Boissin
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Nascent Entrepreneurs ◽  
Entrepreneurial Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Action ◽  
Student Entrepreneurship ◽  
Student Entrepreneurs ◽  
French Student ◽  
Ways Of Being ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeIn line with an emerging body of literature questioning student entrepreneurs’ practices, and recent calls to bridge the intention-action gap, this contribution aims to identify profiles of commitment among nascent entrepreneurs, and their relationship with the performance of entrepreneurial behaviors.Design/methodology/approachRelying on Meyer and Allen's multidimensional model, the authors build an empirical taxonomy regarding affective and instrumental forms of commitment experienced by nascent entrepreneurs (n = 328) operating within French higher education.FindingsThe authors identify three commitment profiles – weak, affective and total – associated with distinct levels of advancement and investment in the entrepreneurial process. This analysis leads them to map out the entrepreneurial process followed by nascent entrepreneurs with three main thresholds: the initial threshold, the resonance threshold and the irreversibility threshold.Research limitations/implicationsThe work contributes to an emerging field of research dedicated to student entrepreneurship. It highlights the existence of different trajectories among nascent entrepreneurs, but also to different ways of being tied to them. It also enriches more broadly the understanding of the entrepreneurial process, especially its volitional phase.Practical implicationsThe results are also important to guide public action, especially to design relevant support programs accounting for nascent entrepreneurs' diversity.Originality/valueThis is the first research to identify profiles of nascent student entrepreneurs based on the way they feel tied to their project, but also to the broader project of becoming entrepreneurs.

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