Open Access
The influence of entrepreneurs’ social referents on start-up size
(Springer, 2018) Contín Pilart, Ignacio; Martín Sánchez, Víctor; Larraza Kintana, Martín; Gestión de Empresas; Enpresen Kudeaketa
This paper uses social comparison theory to explore the effect that the average size of established businesses at the regional (provincial) level may have on start-up size. It is argued that established entrepreneurs at the regional level become referents of new entrepreneurs, influencing not only the decision to become entrepreneurs but also the characteristics of the new venture, such as its initial size. Specifically, the greater the average size of established businesses at the provincial level, the bigger the start-up size of new ventures. This paper further considers how this effect is moderated by two key individual level variables: knowing an entrepreneur personally (i.e., close social referent), and being the owner and manager of an existing business (i.e., past entrepreneurial and managerial experience). Predictions are tested using data that combine individual- and provincial-level information in Spain over the period 2008–2014. The results show the positive relationship of the average size of established businesses on new venture start-up size, and that this effect decreases when the entrepreneurs have previous entrepreneurial experience.
Open Access
Regional and individual determinants of entrepreneurial growth aspirations
(Universitat de Barcelona: Facultat Economia i Empresa., 2018) Capelleras Segura, Joan Lluís; Contín Pilart, Ignacio; Larraza Kintana, Martín; Martín Sánchez, Víctor; Institute for Advanced Research in Business and Economics - INARBE
This paper investigates the unique and joint effects of population density and early-stage entrepreneurs’ human capital endowments (higher education, entrepreneurship training and owner-manager experience) on entrepreneurial growth aspirations. We test a number of hypotheses using data that combine individual and province level information in Spain over the period 2008-2010. We argue that growth aspirations of early-stage entrepreneurs are higher in more densely populated regions, but that such environmental influence is stronger for individuals with greater human capital. This is because they will be more aware that denser regions offer more favorable conditions for new businesses and also requires greater firm growth to compensate for a higher risk of business failure. Consistent with our view, we find that the growth aspirations of entrepreneurs with higher education are higher in densely populated provinces.
Open Access
Entrepreneurs' planning behavior and new firm performance
(Emerald, 2020-08-27) Contín Pilart, Ignacio; Larraza Kintana, Martín; Martín Sánchez, Víctor; Gestión de Empresas; Enpresen Kudeaketa; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua, PA03018
Purpose: Drawing on institutional logics theory, this paper aims to examine the determinants of entrepreneurs’ planning behavior in the first years of 212 Spanish new firms. Additionally, this study identifies four different planning profiles: systematic planner, early planner, late planner and non-planner. Design/methodology/approach: This study’s data structure is a (yearly) pooled cross-sectional time series. This paper investigates the determinants of planning behaviors among entrepreneurs, as well as the impact of that activity on new firm performance (i.e. employment growth). Findings: The results confirm the relevance of institutional forces in explaining the involvement of founders of new firms upon planning activities. Institutional factors, in the form of public external support seem to explain early- and systematic-planner behavior while the influence of entrepreneurial family background does so with late-planner behavior. Originality/value: The authors focus their attention on two key moments of a new venture’ life: the first year of operation and once the firm has overcome the four-year hurdle that is often used to distinguish new from established businesses. Four different patterns emerge: systematic planner (those who consistently plan over time), early planner (those who engage in planning activities in the early moments of the firm’s life but not later), late planner (those who do not plan at the beginning but end up conducting planning activities a few years later) and non-planner (those who never get involved in planning activities). This new division is an interesting additional feature of this study.
Open Access
Entrepreneurs’ human capital and growth aspirations: the moderating role of regional entrepreneurial culture
(Springer, 2019) Capelleras Segura, Joan Lluís; Contín Pilart, Ignacio; Larraza Kintana, Martín; Martín Sánchez, Víctor; Enpresen Kudeaketa; Institute for Advanced Research in Business and Economics - INARBE; Gestión de Empresas
This paper investigates the impact of entrepreneurs’ human capital on their growth aspirations and the moderating role of regional entrepreneurial culture in this relationship. Based on human capital theory, we argue that growth aspirations will be higher for individuals with higher educational attainment and lower for those with prior entrepreneurial experience. Drawing on an institutional perspective, we also suggest that regional social acceptance of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial role models will positively moderate these effects. Using data that combines individual and province level information in Spain over the period 2008–2014, we find support for the differential effect of formal education and entrepreneurial experience. The results also show that both social approval of entrepreneurship and role models tend to increase the growth aspirations of experienced entrepreneurs, whereas aspirations of the more educated ones are only affected by the presence of role models. Implications from the findings are discussed.
Open Access
The influence of individual perceptions and the urban/rural environment on nascent entrepreneurship
(Asociación Española de Ciencia Regional (AECR), 2013) Capelleras Segura, Joan Lluís; Contín Pilart, Ignacio; Martín Sánchez, Víctor; Larraza Kintana, Martín; Gestión de Empresas; Enpresen Kudeaketa
Las percepciones subjetivas de los emprendedores han servido para explicar la decisión al emprender una nueva iniciativa empresarial. Sin embargo, esta decisión también está influida por el entorno en el que se toma. En este sentido, existe poca literatura sobre el impacto conjunto de las percepciones de los emprendedores y el entorno rural o urbano en el que se crea la empresa. Por ello, el propósito de este artículo es analizar como el emprendimiento naciente esta condicionado por las percepciones individuales y el entorno, rural o urbano, en el que se ubica el emprendedor. Los resultados de una serie de modelos de regresión logística sobre los datos del proyecto GEM para España, indican que la percepción de oportunidad y la confianza en las propias habilidades tienen un impacto positivo en la probabilidad de convertirse en emprendedor naciente. Asimismo destaca que, en comparación con los individuos que residen en entornos urbanos, los individuos en áreas rurales que perciben oportunidades tienen una mayor probabilidad de convertirse en emprendedores nacientes.