Frontiers of Entrepreneurship Research 1997 Edition Return to 1997 Topical Index Order hard copy editions of Frontiers of  Entrepreneurship Research by mail

INTRODUCTION
    Attributes of High Growth Entrepreneurs and Organizations
METHOD
    Sample
    The Research Instrument
RESULTS
    Entrepreneurial and Organizational Characteristics of High-Growth and Low-Growth Firms
    Entrepreneurial Expansion Strategies
    Entrepreneurial Intensity and Opportunity Costs:  Commitment to the High-Growth Venture
TABLE 1
TABLE 2
    Contributions to Entrepreneurial Growth
    Financing Strategies of High-Growth and Low-Growth Entrepreneurs
TABLE 3
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
TABLE 4
REFERENCES

ABSTRACT

Entrepreneurs can be categorized along a variety of dimensions:  among these is the intention to grow the business.  "Ambitious" entrepreneurs are identified as individuals who actively seek growth and engage in expansion opportunities for their business.  Nineteen (19) dimensions of growth intentions were operationalized, and the strategic, behavioral, attitudinal, and demographic profiles of high-growth and low-growth entrepreneurs were compared on a large clustered random sample of entrepreneurs.  Significant differences were found in financing strategies used, organization design, commitment to the venture, and contributors to growth of the business.  Several implications are provided for future start-up organizations that plan to follow an ambitious growth pattern.

 

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