How should we think about entrepreneurship? Should we focus on the psychology of people who becom... more How should we think about entrepreneurship? Should we focus on the psychology of people who become entrepreneurs? Should we consider the groups that people belong to? Should we emphasize the incentives, context and environment that lead someone to rationally choose to be entrepreneurial? Should we consider the rituals and practices that entrepreneurs perform? This book offers a different way to think about entrepreneurship – instead of topics such as finance or opportunities, the book focuses on perspectives or ways of seeing entrepreneurship.
Through eleven chapters each taking a different perspective – from the rational choice approach espoused by economists to the critical approach to entrepreneurship and including psychological, interpretive, feminist, strategic, institutionalism and realist approaches - Perspectives in Entrepreneurship takes students on a journey through the main approaches to entrepreneurship. Each chapter is written by experts in their fields who point to key developments; to introduce students in an accessible way to theories and approaches to entrepreneurship.
Perspectives in Entrepreneurship is a comprehensive examination of entrepreneurship through the lens of eleven different perspectives. It shows how each add to our understanding of entrepreneurship and why we need to accept a wider range of approaches. It introduces a critical approach to understanding entrepreneurship and small business. Aimed at an advanced undergraduate, it represents a valuable aid to anyone considering doing postgraduate work in entrepreneurship.
New Technology-Based Firms in the New Millennium, Oct 1, 2002
Chapter 10 Strategic Management in UK Engineering and Electronics SMEs: A Factor Analysis Kevin M... more Chapter 10 Strategic Management in UK Engineering and Electronics SMEs: A Factor Analysis Kevin Mole, Abby Ghobadian, Nicholas CT Regan, Howard Viney, and Jonathan Liu Introduction Competition surrounds us and it is increasing rapidly (D'Aveni, 1994). The type of ...
Abstract In England, publicly supported advice to small firms is organized primarily through the ... more Abstract In England, publicly supported advice to small firms is organized primarily through the Business Link (BL) network. Using the programme theory underlying this business support, we develop four propositions and test these empirically using data from a new survey of over 3000 English SMEs. We find strong support for the value to BL operators of a high profile to boost take-up. We find support for the BL's market segmentation that targets intensive assistance to younger firms and those with limited liability.
Sarason et al. [Sarason, Y., Dean, T., Dillard, J.F., 2006. Entrepreneurship as the nexus of indi... more Sarason et al. [Sarason, Y., Dean, T., Dillard, J.F., 2006. Entrepreneurship as the nexus of individual and opportunity: a structuration view. J. Bus. Venturing, 21, 286-305] build upon Shane and Venkataraman's [Shane, S., Venkataraman, S., 2000. The promise of entrepreneurship as a field of research. Acad. Manage. Rev., 25, 217-226] framework of the interrelationship between opportunity and the entrepreneur, by proposing Giddens' structuration theory as the 'lens through which to view the entrepreneurial process' (2006: 286). In this comment we make four points. Although we agree that the nexus of entrepreneur and opportunity is one that requires understanding within the context of social structure and the individual agency. Our view of structure differs substantially from Giddens and by implication Sarason et al. (2006). We discuss the implications. Second, since strata in social reality have different ontologies we propose it follows that they are viewed as a dualism. Third, agents have causal power, and ultimate concerns which they try to fallibly to put into practice. We propose entrepreneurship as the study of the interplay between the structures of a society and the agents within it, the implications of fallibility is made explicit. Finally, we take issue with Sarason et al.'s argument for an interpretist epistemology. We conclude that it appears to us that structuration theory is not the most useful theory to handle the nexus of opportunity and entrepreneurship. Rather a critical realist perspective, like Archer's morphogenesis, may be more appropriate.
Sarason et al. (2006) build upon Shane and Venkataraman’s [ framework of the interrelationship be... more Sarason et al. (2006) build upon Shane and Venkataraman’s [ framework of the interrelationship between opportunity and the entrepreneur, by proposing Giddens’ structuration theory as the ‘lens through which to view the entrepreneurial process’ (2006: 286). In this comment we make four points. Although we agree that the nexus of entrepreneur and opportunity is one that requires understanding within the context of social structure and the individual agency. Our view of structure differs substantially from Giddens and by implication Sarason et al. (2006). We discuss the implications. Second, since strata in social reality have different ontologies we propose it follows that they are viewed as a dualism. Third, agents have causal power, and ultimate concerns which they try to fallibly to put into practice. We propose entrepreneurship as the study of the interplay between the structures of a society and the agents within it, the implications of fallibility is made explicit. Finally, we take issue with Sarason et al.’s argument for an interpretist epistemology.
We conclude that it appears to us that structuration theory is not the most useful theory to handle the nexus of opportunity and entrepreneurship. Rather a critical realist perspective, like Archer’s morphogenesis, may be more appropriate.
Abstract In the UK as in most other advanced economies significant advisory support is offered fo... more Abstract In the UK as in most other advanced economies significant advisory support is offered for start-up firms and SMEs. UK services for SMEs are provided by Business Links which structures its support into non-intensive–one off contacts providing information or advice–and more intensive support involving a diagnostic process and repeated interaction with firms. A key choice for managers of Business Links is resource allocation between these two types of service–ie should support be broader or deeper?
Abstract. The broad focus of this paper is the divergence of implemented policy from intended pol... more Abstract. The broad focus of this paper is the divergence of implemented policy from intended policy in UK small business support. The Small Business Service (SBS) is the United Kingdom's most recent attempt to provide coherent support for small business. With its structure of local franchisees and multiagency partnerships, the SBS is part of the United Kingdom's Modernising Government agenda, which aims to providejoined-up'and responsive public services.
Abstract. The provision of advisory support to small firms is almost ubiquitous in OECD countries... more Abstract. The provision of advisory support to small firms is almost ubiquitous in OECD countries, although it is organised in different ways and is justified on slightly different grounds. In England publicly supported advisory services are provided through the Business Link (BL) network. Here, we consider two questions: what sort of companies receive advisory support from BL; and, what types of firms benefit most from that support?
Abstract We test two alternative perspectives on the start-up size and subsequent growth of new f... more Abstract We test two alternative perspectives on the start-up size and subsequent growth of new firms in a heavily regulated (HR) economy and a lightly regulated (LR) economy. The first argues that, in an HR economy, there will be fewer new firms, and those that do start will be larger than those in an LR economy, but they will grow more slowly. A second perspective is that regulation does not influence the scale of entrepreneurship–merely its distribution between that which is registered and that which is not registered.
Abstract. The paper reports an international literature review of advisory business support. Most... more Abstract. The paper reports an international literature review of advisory business support. Most industrialised countries provide a degree of business support to small and medium-sized firms, such as information and advice. It is normal for programmes to be justified using arguments about market failure and programme designers tend to weight different aspects of market failure leading to different policy choices. The paper was based upon a literature review of business support in OECD countries conducted in 2004.
Abstract This paper argues that there have been three distinct phases of enterprise policy in the... more Abstract This paper argues that there have been three distinct phases of enterprise policy in the UK in the past 30 years: the 1970s saw no effective enterprise policy ('policy off'); the 1980s witnessed an attempt to increase the number of start-ups; and the 1990s saw a concentration on'business quality'. This paper looks at how enterprise has evolved in Cleveland/Tees Valley over the past three decades.
Aims Why are some firms more productive than others? This report surveys the recent evidence on t... more Aims Why are some firms more productive than others? This report surveys the recent evidence on total factor productivity, using datasets to track the performance of each firm over time. It examines the resource-based view of the firm and considers the mixed results that total quality management has had on those small firms that have adopted it. The report discusses a survey of engineering companies to explore how they become aware of new technologies, and why they decide to adopt them.
Purpose–This paper aims to consider the methods used by publicly supported business advisers to a... more Purpose–This paper aims to consider the methods used by publicly supported business advisers to assess their client businesses. These business advisers are increasingly required to diagnose the problem or opportunities that face their clients before recommending types of business support. Design/methodology/approach–The study reports semi-structured interviews with 39 business advisers, from accountants to publicly funded Business Link business advisers.
Background The persistence of disparities in regional development across the European Union (EU) ... more Background The persistence of disparities in regional development across the European Union (EU) clearly presents a considerable challenge to public policy in the postenlargement period. In that context, the importance of developing even more effective regional policy interventions cannot be understated.
To whom should potential new firm founders turn to for advice? This article identifies buzz as a ... more To whom should potential new firm founders turn to for advice? This article identifies buzz as a mechanism to transfer the knowledge of who to turn to for advice. Previous work on buzz has linked it with clusters or compared local buzz with international pipelines of information. The interaction between place and business advice was examined in surveys of 599 new firm founders in England and 381 new firm founders in Catalonia (Spain).
A small proportion of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) create most new employment in the... more A small proportion of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) create most new employment in the sector (Storey et al., 1987). Thus UK Business Link's remit to provide advice to small firms with the potential to grow should maximise the employment impact of small firm advice. Yet, the risks involved in fast growth and the perceived need for visionary leadership constrains advisors from proffering that advice.
ABSTRACT The aims of this research are to determine and to compare the factors which influence st... more ABSTRACT The aims of this research are to determine and to compare the factors which influence start-up size and the subsequent employment change of new businesses over four years. A comparison between new firms started in selected areas of England and Spain is made. Data was collected by face-to-face interviews with 231 English and 182 Spanish firm founders using the same questionnaire in the two countries.
This evaluation of the operation of Selective Financial Assistance (SFA) follows on from that und... more This evaluation of the operation of Selective Financial Assistance (SFA) follows on from that undertaken by Harris et al.,(2002) for the period 1983-84 to 1996-97. To evaluate the effectiveness of the operation of the SFA Scheme in the period April 1998 to March 2004, the research team adopted a substantially different methodology which encompassed a variety of approaches ranging from econometric 'selection'and 'assistance'modelling to face-to-face interviews with SFA Scheme beneficiaries.
How should we think about entrepreneurship? Should we focus on the psychology of people who becom... more How should we think about entrepreneurship? Should we focus on the psychology of people who become entrepreneurs? Should we consider the groups that people belong to? Should we emphasize the incentives, context and environment that lead someone to rationally choose to be entrepreneurial? Should we consider the rituals and practices that entrepreneurs perform? This book offers a different way to think about entrepreneurship – instead of topics such as finance or opportunities, the book focuses on perspectives or ways of seeing entrepreneurship.
Through eleven chapters each taking a different perspective – from the rational choice approach espoused by economists to the critical approach to entrepreneurship and including psychological, interpretive, feminist, strategic, institutionalism and realist approaches - Perspectives in Entrepreneurship takes students on a journey through the main approaches to entrepreneurship. Each chapter is written by experts in their fields who point to key developments; to introduce students in an accessible way to theories and approaches to entrepreneurship.
Perspectives in Entrepreneurship is a comprehensive examination of entrepreneurship through the lens of eleven different perspectives. It shows how each add to our understanding of entrepreneurship and why we need to accept a wider range of approaches. It introduces a critical approach to understanding entrepreneurship and small business. Aimed at an advanced undergraduate, it represents a valuable aid to anyone considering doing postgraduate work in entrepreneurship.
New Technology-Based Firms in the New Millennium, Oct 1, 2002
Chapter 10 Strategic Management in UK Engineering and Electronics SMEs: A Factor Analysis Kevin M... more Chapter 10 Strategic Management in UK Engineering and Electronics SMEs: A Factor Analysis Kevin Mole, Abby Ghobadian, Nicholas CT Regan, Howard Viney, and Jonathan Liu Introduction Competition surrounds us and it is increasing rapidly (D'Aveni, 1994). The type of ...
Abstract In England, publicly supported advice to small firms is organized primarily through the ... more Abstract In England, publicly supported advice to small firms is organized primarily through the Business Link (BL) network. Using the programme theory underlying this business support, we develop four propositions and test these empirically using data from a new survey of over 3000 English SMEs. We find strong support for the value to BL operators of a high profile to boost take-up. We find support for the BL's market segmentation that targets intensive assistance to younger firms and those with limited liability.
Sarason et al. [Sarason, Y., Dean, T., Dillard, J.F., 2006. Entrepreneurship as the nexus of indi... more Sarason et al. [Sarason, Y., Dean, T., Dillard, J.F., 2006. Entrepreneurship as the nexus of individual and opportunity: a structuration view. J. Bus. Venturing, 21, 286-305] build upon Shane and Venkataraman's [Shane, S., Venkataraman, S., 2000. The promise of entrepreneurship as a field of research. Acad. Manage. Rev., 25, 217-226] framework of the interrelationship between opportunity and the entrepreneur, by proposing Giddens' structuration theory as the 'lens through which to view the entrepreneurial process' (2006: 286). In this comment we make four points. Although we agree that the nexus of entrepreneur and opportunity is one that requires understanding within the context of social structure and the individual agency. Our view of structure differs substantially from Giddens and by implication Sarason et al. (2006). We discuss the implications. Second, since strata in social reality have different ontologies we propose it follows that they are viewed as a dualism. Third, agents have causal power, and ultimate concerns which they try to fallibly to put into practice. We propose entrepreneurship as the study of the interplay between the structures of a society and the agents within it, the implications of fallibility is made explicit. Finally, we take issue with Sarason et al.'s argument for an interpretist epistemology. We conclude that it appears to us that structuration theory is not the most useful theory to handle the nexus of opportunity and entrepreneurship. Rather a critical realist perspective, like Archer's morphogenesis, may be more appropriate.
Sarason et al. (2006) build upon Shane and Venkataraman’s [ framework of the interrelationship be... more Sarason et al. (2006) build upon Shane and Venkataraman’s [ framework of the interrelationship between opportunity and the entrepreneur, by proposing Giddens’ structuration theory as the ‘lens through which to view the entrepreneurial process’ (2006: 286). In this comment we make four points. Although we agree that the nexus of entrepreneur and opportunity is one that requires understanding within the context of social structure and the individual agency. Our view of structure differs substantially from Giddens and by implication Sarason et al. (2006). We discuss the implications. Second, since strata in social reality have different ontologies we propose it follows that they are viewed as a dualism. Third, agents have causal power, and ultimate concerns which they try to fallibly to put into practice. We propose entrepreneurship as the study of the interplay between the structures of a society and the agents within it, the implications of fallibility is made explicit. Finally, we take issue with Sarason et al.’s argument for an interpretist epistemology.
We conclude that it appears to us that structuration theory is not the most useful theory to handle the nexus of opportunity and entrepreneurship. Rather a critical realist perspective, like Archer’s morphogenesis, may be more appropriate.
Abstract In the UK as in most other advanced economies significant advisory support is offered fo... more Abstract In the UK as in most other advanced economies significant advisory support is offered for start-up firms and SMEs. UK services for SMEs are provided by Business Links which structures its support into non-intensive–one off contacts providing information or advice–and more intensive support involving a diagnostic process and repeated interaction with firms. A key choice for managers of Business Links is resource allocation between these two types of service–ie should support be broader or deeper?
Abstract. The broad focus of this paper is the divergence of implemented policy from intended pol... more Abstract. The broad focus of this paper is the divergence of implemented policy from intended policy in UK small business support. The Small Business Service (SBS) is the United Kingdom's most recent attempt to provide coherent support for small business. With its structure of local franchisees and multiagency partnerships, the SBS is part of the United Kingdom's Modernising Government agenda, which aims to providejoined-up'and responsive public services.
Abstract. The provision of advisory support to small firms is almost ubiquitous in OECD countries... more Abstract. The provision of advisory support to small firms is almost ubiquitous in OECD countries, although it is organised in different ways and is justified on slightly different grounds. In England publicly supported advisory services are provided through the Business Link (BL) network. Here, we consider two questions: what sort of companies receive advisory support from BL; and, what types of firms benefit most from that support?
Abstract We test two alternative perspectives on the start-up size and subsequent growth of new f... more Abstract We test two alternative perspectives on the start-up size and subsequent growth of new firms in a heavily regulated (HR) economy and a lightly regulated (LR) economy. The first argues that, in an HR economy, there will be fewer new firms, and those that do start will be larger than those in an LR economy, but they will grow more slowly. A second perspective is that regulation does not influence the scale of entrepreneurship–merely its distribution between that which is registered and that which is not registered.
Abstract. The paper reports an international literature review of advisory business support. Most... more Abstract. The paper reports an international literature review of advisory business support. Most industrialised countries provide a degree of business support to small and medium-sized firms, such as information and advice. It is normal for programmes to be justified using arguments about market failure and programme designers tend to weight different aspects of market failure leading to different policy choices. The paper was based upon a literature review of business support in OECD countries conducted in 2004.
Abstract This paper argues that there have been three distinct phases of enterprise policy in the... more Abstract This paper argues that there have been three distinct phases of enterprise policy in the UK in the past 30 years: the 1970s saw no effective enterprise policy ('policy off'); the 1980s witnessed an attempt to increase the number of start-ups; and the 1990s saw a concentration on'business quality'. This paper looks at how enterprise has evolved in Cleveland/Tees Valley over the past three decades.
Aims Why are some firms more productive than others? This report surveys the recent evidence on t... more Aims Why are some firms more productive than others? This report surveys the recent evidence on total factor productivity, using datasets to track the performance of each firm over time. It examines the resource-based view of the firm and considers the mixed results that total quality management has had on those small firms that have adopted it. The report discusses a survey of engineering companies to explore how they become aware of new technologies, and why they decide to adopt them.
Purpose–This paper aims to consider the methods used by publicly supported business advisers to a... more Purpose–This paper aims to consider the methods used by publicly supported business advisers to assess their client businesses. These business advisers are increasingly required to diagnose the problem or opportunities that face their clients before recommending types of business support. Design/methodology/approach–The study reports semi-structured interviews with 39 business advisers, from accountants to publicly funded Business Link business advisers.
Background The persistence of disparities in regional development across the European Union (EU) ... more Background The persistence of disparities in regional development across the European Union (EU) clearly presents a considerable challenge to public policy in the postenlargement period. In that context, the importance of developing even more effective regional policy interventions cannot be understated.
To whom should potential new firm founders turn to for advice? This article identifies buzz as a ... more To whom should potential new firm founders turn to for advice? This article identifies buzz as a mechanism to transfer the knowledge of who to turn to for advice. Previous work on buzz has linked it with clusters or compared local buzz with international pipelines of information. The interaction between place and business advice was examined in surveys of 599 new firm founders in England and 381 new firm founders in Catalonia (Spain).
A small proportion of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) create most new employment in the... more A small proportion of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) create most new employment in the sector (Storey et al., 1987). Thus UK Business Link's remit to provide advice to small firms with the potential to grow should maximise the employment impact of small firm advice. Yet, the risks involved in fast growth and the perceived need for visionary leadership constrains advisors from proffering that advice.
ABSTRACT The aims of this research are to determine and to compare the factors which influence st... more ABSTRACT The aims of this research are to determine and to compare the factors which influence start-up size and the subsequent employment change of new businesses over four years. A comparison between new firms started in selected areas of England and Spain is made. Data was collected by face-to-face interviews with 231 English and 182 Spanish firm founders using the same questionnaire in the two countries.
This evaluation of the operation of Selective Financial Assistance (SFA) follows on from that und... more This evaluation of the operation of Selective Financial Assistance (SFA) follows on from that undertaken by Harris et al.,(2002) for the period 1983-84 to 1996-97. To evaluate the effectiveness of the operation of the SFA Scheme in the period April 1998 to March 2004, the research team adopted a substantially different methodology which encompassed a variety of approaches ranging from econometric 'selection'and 'assistance'modelling to face-to-face interviews with SFA Scheme beneficiaries.
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Books by Kevin Mole
Through eleven chapters each taking a different perspective – from the rational choice approach espoused by economists to the critical approach to entrepreneurship and including psychological, interpretive, feminist, strategic, institutionalism and realist approaches - Perspectives in Entrepreneurship takes students on a journey through the main approaches to entrepreneurship. Each chapter is written by experts in their fields who point to key developments; to introduce students in an accessible way to theories and approaches to entrepreneurship.
Perspectives in Entrepreneurship is a comprehensive examination of entrepreneurship through the lens of eleven different perspectives. It shows how each add to our understanding of entrepreneurship and why we need to accept a wider range of approaches. It introduces a critical approach to understanding entrepreneurship and small business. Aimed at an advanced undergraduate, it represents a valuable aid to anyone considering doing postgraduate work in entrepreneurship.
Papers by Kevin Mole
We conclude that it appears to us that structuration theory is not the most useful theory to handle the nexus of opportunity and entrepreneurship. Rather a critical realist perspective, like Archer’s morphogenesis, may be more appropriate.
Through eleven chapters each taking a different perspective – from the rational choice approach espoused by economists to the critical approach to entrepreneurship and including psychological, interpretive, feminist, strategic, institutionalism and realist approaches - Perspectives in Entrepreneurship takes students on a journey through the main approaches to entrepreneurship. Each chapter is written by experts in their fields who point to key developments; to introduce students in an accessible way to theories and approaches to entrepreneurship.
Perspectives in Entrepreneurship is a comprehensive examination of entrepreneurship through the lens of eleven different perspectives. It shows how each add to our understanding of entrepreneurship and why we need to accept a wider range of approaches. It introduces a critical approach to understanding entrepreneurship and small business. Aimed at an advanced undergraduate, it represents a valuable aid to anyone considering doing postgraduate work in entrepreneurship.
We conclude that it appears to us that structuration theory is not the most useful theory to handle the nexus of opportunity and entrepreneurship. Rather a critical realist perspective, like Archer’s morphogenesis, may be more appropriate.