Entrepreneurial opportunity identification and new firm development processes: a comparison of family and non-family new ventures. (1st January 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hayton, James; Chandler, Gaylen N.; DeTienne, Dawn R.
• Is Part Of: International journal of entrepreneurship and innovation management. Volume 13:Number 1(2011)
• Page Start: 12
• Page End: 31
• Publication Date: 2011-01-01
• Subjects: family firm -- opportunity identification -- entrepreneurship -- effectuation; Entrepreneurship -- Periodicals; 338.0405
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-275X

Abstract

This research examines differences between family and non-family firms with respect to new venture creation processes. We invoke a social embeddedness explanation of differences between family and non-family firms with respect to opportunity identification processes and outcomes and new venture development processes. In a sample of 183 family and non-family firms, we find that family firms are less likely to report an opportunity identification process that is sudden, spontaneous and creative. The new opportunities thus identified are less innovative than those identified by non-family firms. Finally, family firms are somewhat more likely to follow effectuation processes and significantly less likely to follow causation processes during new venture creation. Implications for research and practice are discussed.