Developing the strategic resources of Chinese entrepreneurial firms
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Leadership and Organization Development Journal
Publication Date
1-1-2010
Volume
31
Issue
3
First Page
213
Last Page
229
Keywords
China, Entrepreneurialism, Resources, Social values
Abstract
Purpose: Applying the theory of cooperation and competition, this paper proposes that entrepreneurial firms can obtain social capital in terms of trust and reciprocity by developing cooperative goals with other firms, rather than competitive and independent goals. Such cooperative relationships may then enhance the firm's strategic resources, including corporate reputation and market access.
Design/methodology/approach: Results were obtained from structural equation modeling of data from 120 entrepreneurial firms in Shanghai, China.
Findings: The hypotheses were supported, except that reciprocity was found to affect corporate reputation negatively. The results suggest that cooperative interdependence and trust in the network of entrepreneurial firms, not self-sacrificing reciprocity, can foster a firm's business development.
Originality/value: Although there is evidence in the literature suggesting that social capital influences the performance of entrepreneurial firms both directly and indirectly, there is less evidence addressing the mechanisms by which entrepreneurial firms can acquire and maintain social capital. This study addresses this research gap.
DOI
10.1108/01437731011039334
Print ISSN
01437739
E-ISSN
14725347
Publisher Statement
Copyright © Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Chen, N. Y. F., Chao, M. C.-H., & Tjosvold, D. (2010). Developing the strategic resources of Chinese entrepreneurial firms. Leadership and Organization Development Journal, 31(3), 213-229. doi: 10.1108/01437731011039334