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Small Business Orientation: A Construct Proposal

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  • Rodney C. Runyan
  • Jeffrey G. Covin

Abstract

Entrepreneurship and small business management literatures diverged decades ago, with the former receiving the bulk of subsequent scholarly attention. The concept of a small business orientation (SBO) has not been widely and consistently employed in the literature. We present a conceptual framework aimed at clarifying the construct of SBO, and conceptualize SBO as a firm size- and age-independent phenomenon operating at the individual level, and reflecting manager values about how the business ought to be conducted. We discuss the values-based derivation of SBO, identify elements of this multidimensional construct, its likely consequences, and propose future research directions.

Suggested Citation

  • Rodney C. Runyan & Jeffrey G. Covin, 2019. "Small Business Orientation: A Construct Proposal," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 43(3), pages 529-552, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:43:y:2019:i:3:p:529-552
    DOI: 10.1177/1042258718807171
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