Papers by Janice A . Black
Journal of Education for Business
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Rural Suburban Urban and Higher Education Variations, 2024
There is a growing argument that entrepreneurship found in rural locations significantly differs ... more There is a growing argument that entrepreneurship found in rural locations significantly differs from entrepreneurship found in urban or suburban locations. We wondered if we could find differences between the entrepreneurship education program and degree offerings delivered by rural universities compared to the programs and degrees offered by non-rural universities. This paper reports on a descriptive study of one university system and the degree of similarity across the number and range of entrepreneurship courses and degree programs offered by institutions in the system as it relates to their location. Initial support for guiding questions was found, which included the higher average intensity of entrepreneurship courses and programs in rural areas than those found in urban or suburban areas.
Mobilizing the Self-renewing Organization: The …, 2000
My goal is to extend this paper, generalize it to Organization Theory (rather than focus on co-ev... more My goal is to extend this paper, generalize it to Organization Theory (rather than focus on co-evolution), and submit it to Academy of Management Review. However, I NEED YOUR HELP! What should a 'review' and theoretical contribution on Complexity Research look like? What should it include, and how should the field be represented at this early stage in its development? Please give me whatever suggestions you like -particularly around my choice of disciplines in Table , and let me know if you would consider a form of co-authorship.
Journal of Marketing Development and Competitiveness, Oct 1, 2011
An existing gap in the literature on founding-leaders and small business growth is, "What happens... more An existing gap in the literature on founding-leaders and small business growth is, "What happens to strategically important socially-created resources and performance as a micro-firm grows?" Using agent based modeling, we examine the development of such a resource, CONTEXT-FOR-LEARNING, and a performance potential across the first hierarchical structural change. The model that mimics a solo work group (2 levels: individual and group) and that which has two work groups (4 levels: individual, group, leadership team, and organization). Most of our hypotheses were confirmed but one interesting difference was that some marginal conditions that supported maintaining a socially-created resource resulted in worse performance levels.
Journal of Business and Entrepreneurship, Mar 1, 1998
ABSTRACT The Entrepreneurial Conation Grid (theoretically based in the Austrian school of economi... more ABSTRACT The Entrepreneurial Conation Grid (theoretically based in the Austrian school of economics and information processing) facilitates the point-in-time classification of entrepreneurs or firms involved in complex markets. A firm or entrepreneur's classification will migrate between cells over time as specific skills are enhanced. Previous definitions of entrepreneurs are placed within the Entrepreneurial Conation Grid, showing this theoretical justification for multiple definitions/classifications of entrepreneurial activities. INTRODUCTION Entrepreneurship has gained recognition in recent years as a critical link in the growth of the economy and a necessity for national prosperity (Kirzner, 1979,1982; Miller, 1983; Covin & Slevin, 1991; Zahra, 1993; Dana, 1996). However, there has been and continues to be a wide range in definitions of entrepreneur (Kets de Vries, 1985; Gartner, 1990; Dana, 1996; Mandel, 1996). Such definitions range from considering the person of the entrepreneur (Cantillion, 1775; Danhof, 1949; among otiiers) to the act of entrepreneurship (Shapero, 1975,1982; Welsh & White, 1981; Kirzner, 1973, 1978, 1982), which allows firm level attributions to define the entrepreneur (Miller, 1983; Covin & Slevin, 1991; Zahra, 1993). Still other definitions distinguish 'general' entrepreneurial orientation and a 'business' entrepreneurial act (Huefher & Hunt, 1994). Previous work has attempted to reconcile the range of definitions (Kets de Vries, 1983; Gartner, 1990; Dana, 1996; Mandel, 1996), but no attempt to date has satisfactorily accommodated, the full range of definitions (Kets de Vries, 1983; Dana, 1996). Yet, the importance of entrepreneurial activity supports our continued efforts to understand this range of definitions. Current work attempting to understand marketplace complexity indicates that markets act more like a disequilibrium-based system (Stacy, 1995; Black & Farias, 1996). By looking at the assumptions underlying a disequilibrium-based economic system, the Austrian school of economics, we may shed light on mis range of definitions of entrepreneurship. AUSTRIAN ECONOMICS To the Austrian economist, the market is "a process of learning and discovery, rather than an equilibrium state of affairs" (Klein, 1992:2). Unlike neoclassical economics, with its equilibriumbased assumptions, Austrian economics assumes that ex ante plans will not be realized and so is based on me concept of uncertainty. Because people inherently cope with this uncertainty (Kirzner, 1982; Mises, 1949), they are posited as rational entities prone to mistakes (Mises, 1957). Mistakes, inefficiencies, and even failure, happen, but their occurrence is not the same thing as irrationality (Mises, 1957). This view accords all action as being future oriented (Kirzner, 1978). In other words, if people pursue purposes linked to the future, then they will act to place themselves in the most preferred of equally available positions (Kirzner, 1978). Such purposeful action seeks out available opportunities (O'Driscoll, 1977). A key issue in purposeful action is me acquisition and dispersal of knowledge. The market assumption is "not on human rationality, but on human ignorance"(Klein, 1992:4). Because information is assumed never to be fully dispersed nor completely utilized, opportunities abound. Each individual's acts are a 'speculation' on the future, so there is an inherent link between entrepreneurial activities and human action (Mises, 1949). Entrepreneurial activities are defined as a function of making decisions and taking actions in the face of an uncertain present or future environment and/or me realization of existing opportunities that have remained previously unnoticed (Kirzner, 1982). Such opportunities exist because purposeful action by itself does not guarantee tiiat every opportunity will be instantaneously perceived (Kirzner, 1978). Furthermore, it is absurd to expect that all individuals perceive the same information in the same way, react in the same way, or form the same expectations (Lachmann, 1977). …
The Journal of Biblical Integration in Business, 2003
Black and Smith find that complex adaptive systems are useful tools in understanding a complex wo... more Black and Smith find that complex adaptive systems are useful tools in understanding a complex world and, in actuality, are tools which point directly to Christ. The authors offer ten principles of complex adaptive systems and give the implications of these principles for Christians.
Strategic Management Journal, Jun 14, 2007
The resource-based view (RBV) of the firm holds that certain assets with certain characteristics ... more The resource-based view (RBV) of the firm holds that certain assets with certain characteristics will lead to sustainable competitive advantage. All the traits are required to be present to result in sustainable competitive advantage. Such a trait approach overlooks the dynamics of the creation of firm resources especially the strategically important factors as identified hv the resource based view theory. We propose that the resources are made up of factor networks which have specific interfactor and inter-resource relationships that result in the characteristic traits being evidenced. These strategic resource factor relationships include network type, available substitutes and cogency relationships (compensatory, enhancing and suppressing.) Specific configurations that lead to high or very high support of sustainable competitive advantage are proposed. Twenty-two specific paths to sustainable competitive advantage for a factor, contingent on resource factor traits and relationship configurations, arc proposed. The implications, upon confirmation of these configurations, are discussed.
Journal of Business Strategies, 1970
Austrian economics is a disequilibrium-based understanding (~f how firms interact in markets. Usi... more Austrian economics is a disequilibrium-based understanding (~f how firms interact in markets. Using basic concepts from Austrian economics and the market dynamics implied from them, this paper presents a dynamic view of fitting as one (~f the implications for organization studies and highlights other critical areas including entrepreneurship, innovation, information processing and organizationallearninK and chanKe. 'Fit' has long been a central focus in the strategy and contingency literatures (Van de Ven and Drazin, 1985; Summer, Bettis, Dulhaime, Grant, Hambrick, Snow & Zeithaml, 1990). Generally, fit has been conceptualized as a specific end-goal implyinK an attainable fit is possible (i.e. fit measured against an ideal or best performer, (Doty, Glick & Huber 1993». This conceptualization implies the following: I) that clear links exist between cause and effect (otherwise fit could not be the specific end-goal), 2) that conditions present in the environment will continue (otherwise what is useful now may not be in the future) and 3) that the use of negative feedback enables the determination of the set of requirements needed for fit (otherwise the distance from any specified set of requirements is useless). These assumptions correspond to those needed in an equilibrium-based market economy (Stacey, 1995; Hunt, 2000). Recently the usefulness ofthe foundational assumptions of equilibrium-based economics has been questioned (
Journal of Organizational Change Management, Dec 1, 2000
While there is no set definition of what constitutes``complexity,'' some general classes of defin... more While there is no set definition of what constitutes``complexity,'' some general classes of definitions have emerged across the writings of several fields of science. The basis for the classifications and a general definition used in this issue are presented. The papers of this issue are classified into the general categories and introduced to the reader.
When change is acknowledged to be not only an exogenous factor but also an endogenous factor, a l... more When change is acknowledged to be not only an exogenous factor but also an endogenous factor, a leader's role changes from protector to facilitator of change efforts. One way to facilitate change and learning is to create an organizational context that supports change. These factors of a Context-for-Learning and accepted leader behaviors are modeled via a computer simulation and the results for an organization which has received much directed leadership training is shown and compared to results for prototypical leader patterns. Similarities and differences are discussed with implications for practice highlighted.
Advances in applied business strategy, Aug 16, 2005
Intangible resources are recognized to hold the potential leading to a competitive advantage. Und... more Intangible resources are recognized to hold the potential leading to a competitive advantage. Understanding how such resources are developed is, therefore, equally important. Certainly, a leader's job includes the development of intangible resources. One increasingly important area in the development of managerial expertise is a strategic organizational competence. Managerial expertise is the attainment of having master managers throughout the organization. For managers, such master manager skills include not only knowing what to do, why to do it, and how to do it; but, also knowing when to do it. On-the-job experiences often translate into tacit knowledge in areas as they relate to specific productivity tasks, however, knowing what, why, how, and when with management skills are more problematic. This is even more problematic when the skill development program is left up to the individual manager. When should one seek additional training on a regular basis? When can one forgo routine training and only occasionally brush up one's skills through training? The costs of training continue to increase and make the need to determine cost-effective training programs more important than ever before. This paper addresses the combining of assessments into a joint understanding of managerial expertise levels. It presents the results of assessment for several supervisory nursing staff in two hospital departments and the use of these assessments in communicating needed personal improvement plans.
Journal of Business and Entrepreneurship, Oct 1, 2002
Organizational innovation and change are dynamic processes. However, most theories of innovation ... more Organizational innovation and change are dynamic processes. However, most theories of innovation and change are static and overly deterministic, bound by the constraints of traditional social scientific approaches. This volume advances a novel theoretical frame- work and research ...
Journal of Education for Business
Journal of business management, Jul 1, 2010
... on Leader Efficacy Lei Wang University of Texas–Pan American Kim T. Hinrichs Minnesota State ... more ... on Leader Efficacy Lei Wang University of Texas–Pan American Kim T. Hinrichs Minnesota State University, Mankato Leonel Prieto Texas ... to different group outcomes (Bandura, 1997; Chemers, Watson & May, 2000; Hollenbeck & Hall, 2004; Luthans & Peterson, 2002; Wood & ...
e-Journal of Business Education and Scholarship of Teaching, Sep 1, 2019
Videos have long been used in the classroom to enhance learning. However, traditionalaged student... more Videos have long been used in the classroom to enhance learning. However, traditionalaged students (ages 18 to 21) have so much interactive video exposure that opportunities to actively engage them with the material continue to exist. There are multiple ways to use video to enhance student learning. Four interactive pedagogical methods of using film in the classroom with are presented along with student feedback for each. The first and second methods involve having students find video examples of class concepts; the third method asks students to provide video examples of related concepts from supplemental articles and class; and in the last method, students actually make videos demonstrating class concepts. These all require that students learn, practice, and persist in efforts which reinforce soft skills desired by employers of today's graduates.
Journal of Business Strategies, 1970
Austrian economics is a disequilibrium-based understanding of how firmsinteract in markets. Using... more Austrian economics is a disequilibrium-based understanding of how firmsinteract in markets. Using basic concepts from Austrian economics and themarket dynamics implied from them, this paper presents a dynamic view offitting as one of the implications for organization studies and highlights othercritical areas including entrepreneurship, innovation, information processingand organizational learning and change.
Journal of Small Business & Entrepreneurship, 2020
Entrepreneurial programs often do not address the needs of Millennial learners nor do they offer ... more Entrepreneurial programs often do not address the needs of Millennial learners nor do they offer students an opportunity to enhance skills that companies want most. We examined high recognition programs and present a framework that incorporates their positive attributes and addresses their gaps. Top entrepreneurship programs employ professors with entrepreneurial backgrounds, and offer experiential classes that are supplemented by well-financed extra-curricular activities like pitch contests. The gaps in current top programs include a lack of a full entrepreneurial experience for students and a need for students to gain skill sets most desired by organizations. We present a framework for transferring best practice attributes to a start-up program that also addresses the gaps outlined. This framework includes having professors with entrepreneurial experience who teach a selection of courses comparable to those offered by top programs, activities where students learn teamwork, communication, and other skills desired most by companies, and an immersive component such as a practicum or internship where students are fully immersed in an entrepreneurial experience. Teaching methods that utilize active learning, immediate application of concepts, informal learning environments, and a strong interpersonal relationship with faculty combine to enhance the Millennial students' learning experiences and produce positive stakeholder outcomes. RÉSUMÉ
Journal of Business and Entrepreneurship, Mar 1, 1998
ABSTRACT The Entrepreneurial Conation Grid (theoretically based in the Austrian school of economi... more ABSTRACT The Entrepreneurial Conation Grid (theoretically based in the Austrian school of economics and information processing) facilitates the point-in-time classification of entrepreneurs or firms involved in complex markets. A firm or entrepreneur's classification will migrate between cells over time as specific skills are enhanced. Previous definitions of entrepreneurs are placed within the Entrepreneurial Conation Grid, showing this theoretical justification for multiple definitions/classifications of entrepreneurial activities. INTRODUCTION Entrepreneurship has gained recognition in recent years as a critical link in the growth of the economy and a necessity for national prosperity (Kirzner, 1979,1982; Miller, 1983; Covin & Slevin, 1991; Zahra, 1993; Dana, 1996). However, there has been and continues to be a wide range in definitions of entrepreneur (Kets de Vries, 1985; Gartner, 1990; Dana, 1996; Mandel, 1996). Such definitions range from considering the person of the entrepreneur (Cantillion, 1775; Danhof, 1949; among otiiers) to the act of entrepreneurship (Shapero, 1975,1982; Welsh & White, 1981; Kirzner, 1973, 1978, 1982), which allows firm level attributions to define the entrepreneur (Miller, 1983; Covin & Slevin, 1991; Zahra, 1993). Still other definitions distinguish 'general' entrepreneurial orientation and a 'business' entrepreneurial act (Huefher & Hunt, 1994). Previous work has attempted to reconcile the range of definitions (Kets de Vries, 1983; Gartner, 1990; Dana, 1996; Mandel, 1996), but no attempt to date has satisfactorily accommodated, the full range of definitions (Kets de Vries, 1983; Dana, 1996). Yet, the importance of entrepreneurial activity supports our continued efforts to understand this range of definitions. Current work attempting to understand marketplace complexity indicates that markets act more like a disequilibrium-based system (Stacy, 1995; Black & Farias, 1996). By looking at the assumptions underlying a disequilibrium-based economic system, the Austrian school of economics, we may shed light on mis range of definitions of entrepreneurship. AUSTRIAN ECONOMICS To the Austrian economist, the market is "a process of learning and discovery, rather than an equilibrium state of affairs" (Klein, 1992:2). Unlike neoclassical economics, with its equilibriumbased assumptions, Austrian economics assumes that ex ante plans will not be realized and so is based on me concept of uncertainty. Because people inherently cope with this uncertainty (Kirzner, 1982; Mises, 1949), they are posited as rational entities prone to mistakes (Mises, 1957). Mistakes, inefficiencies, and even failure, happen, but their occurrence is not the same thing as irrationality (Mises, 1957). This view accords all action as being future oriented (Kirzner, 1978). In other words, if people pursue purposes linked to the future, then they will act to place themselves in the most preferred of equally available positions (Kirzner, 1978). Such purposeful action seeks out available opportunities (O'Driscoll, 1977). A key issue in purposeful action is me acquisition and dispersal of knowledge. The market assumption is "not on human rationality, but on human ignorance"(Klein, 1992:4). Because information is assumed never to be fully dispersed nor completely utilized, opportunities abound. Each individual's acts are a 'speculation' on the future, so there is an inherent link between entrepreneurial activities and human action (Mises, 1949). Entrepreneurial activities are defined as a function of making decisions and taking actions in the face of an uncertain present or future environment and/or me realization of existing opportunities that have remained previously unnoticed (Kirzner, 1982). Such opportunities exist because purposeful action by itself does not guarantee tiiat every opportunity will be instantaneously perceived (Kirzner, 1978). Furthermore, it is absurd to expect that all individuals perceive the same information in the same way, react in the same way, or form the same expectations (Lachmann, 1977). …
E Journal of Business Education and Scholarship Teaching, Jul 1, 2013
This paper presents a class assignment, entitled the APPLE Analysis, for developing pre-analysis ... more This paper presents a class assignment, entitled the APPLE Analysis, for developing pre-analysis comprehension about company conditions, resources and challenges as a part of the undergraduate strategic management capstone course. Because undergraduate students lack the causal maps of seasoned executives, this assignment helps students to develop an appropriate frame of reference to then tackle more traditional external/internal approaches to strategic analysis as a part of a live consulting case. The article describes the background for the development of the assignment, the components of each application tool and its assessment, and then summarizes with a description of student perceptions and outcomes. The results of its first application indicate strong student support for its ability to deliver on content outcomes, with 74.9% noting its value in understanding course and analytical concepts, and an ANOVA analysis of the differences in final project analysis scores in the semester postadoption to be significantly higher at the .10 level (F=2.944; p = .092) than scores in the semester pre-adoption when controlling for professor. Faculty also noted stronger integration of multiple levels and breadth of analysis for the more traditional live case consulting analysis.
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Papers by Janice A . Black