Description
Book SynopsisFew would deny the crucial role that entrepreneurs play in our increasingly global economy--but exactly what is this vital, yet loosely defined business force we call the entrepreneurial spirit? This landmark study is the first to examine analytically the nature of the opportunities that entrepreneurs pursue, the problems they face, the traits they require, and the social and economic contributions they make. Until recently, entrepreneurs have been largely ignored in modern economic theory. But at the dawn of a networked age, marked by the advent of e-business and the home office, there''s no question that entrepreneurs have recaptured the popular imagination. Studies now show that most men and women dream of starting their own businesses rather than rising through the corporate ranks. Yet in spite of increased attention by many of today''s leading business schools, entrepreneurship has remained largely a mystery, an apparantly intuitive sense of values possessed by certain individual
Trade ReviewTruly fascinating ... I would wholeheartedly recommend this book. * Financial Adviser *
The book is very useful for scholars and policy-makers who want to understand the crucial economic activity of starting and growing a business. * Urban Studies *
Any future theorising about the role and nature of the entrepreneur must take account of this book. * Financial Times *
The wealth of information contained in this book adds up to a very persuasive case and policy-makers (and all those interested in encouraging entrepreneurship) would do well to consider this book very carefully. * Community Affairs Briefing *
This book will find a welcome reception from business schools that are focussing on courses in entrepreneurship and may also appeal to corporate executives who are trying too instill an entrepreneurial spirit in their employees. * Booklist *
... the book is filled with useful and even startling insights based on exhaustive research." * The Standard (on-line) *
Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements Introduction The Nature of Promising Start-ups 1: Endowments and Opportunities 2: Planning vs. Opportunisitc Adaptation 3: Securing Resources 4: Distinctive Qualities 5: Corporate Initiatives 6: VC-Backed Start-ups 7: Revolutionary and Ventures 8: Summary and Generalizations The Evolution of Fledgling Businesses 9: Missing Attributes 10: Existing Theories and Models 11: Critical tasks 12: Exceptional Qualities Societal Implications 13: Reexamining Schumpeter 14: Facilitating Conditions Conclusion Appendix 1: Background Information: 1989 INc. 500 Study Appendix 2: Partial List of Student Papers Written on Successful Entrepreneurs Notes References Index
