Entrepreneurial tendencies in franchising: evidence from the UK. Issue 1 (16th February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dada, Olufunmilola (Lola); Watson, Anna; Kirby, David
• Is Part Of: Journal of small business and enterprise development. Volume 22:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 82
• Page End: 98
• Publication Date: 2015-02-16
• Subjects: Standardization -- Franchising -- Entrepreneurial personality characteristics -- Franchisee selection; Small business -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; New business enterprises -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Industrial management -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Entrepreneurship -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 658.022
• DOI: 10.1108/JSBED-11-2011-0021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-6004

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: – In spite of the important contributions of franchising to many economies, it remains unclear whether it truly provides a scope for entrepreneurial tendencies to flourish amongst franchisees. The purpose of this paper is to examine the debate surrounding the franchisee as an entrepreneur from the perspectives of the main contributors within the UK franchising sector, franchisors and franchisees, by analysing their entrepreneurial tendencies and the franchisee selection process. Design/methodology/approach: – The paper is based on an empirical study using a focus group and a survey approach. Findings: – The findings from this study demonstrate that franchisees have similar levels of entrepreneurial tendencies to franchisors. The results further indicate that franchisors appear to value entrepreneurial personalities within their franchised outlets, as demonstrated by their franchisee selection process. Originality/value: – By providing an indication of the extent of the franchisee's entrepreneurial tendencies, this study expatiates on major arguments in the franchising and entrepreneurship literature, which are also profound amongst practitioners in the fields of franchising and entrepreneurship.