Title

A quantitative content analysis of the characteristics of rapid-growth firms and their founders

Authors

Authors

B. R. Barringer; F. F. Jones;D. O. Neubaum

Comments

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Abbreviated Journal Title

J. Bus. Ventur.

Keywords

entrepreneurship; growth; founder characteristics; business practices; human resource management practices; SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH; GEOGRAPHIC LOCALIZATION; FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE; PRODUCT INNOVATION; VENTURES; SUCCESS; ENTREPRENEURS; STRATEGIES; ENVIRONMENT; CLUSTERS; Business

Abstract

A group of firms that is attracting attention are rapid-growth firms. These firms are of particular interest because rapid growth is an indication of market acceptance and firm success. By studying rapid-growth firms, researchers can help all firms better understand the attributes associated with firm growth. Despite these positive outcomes, however, rapid firm growth is difficult to achieve and maintain. This study adds to the literature through a quantitative content analysis of the narrative descriptions of 50 rapid-growth firms and a comparison group of 50 slow-growth companies. The purpose of the study was to draw from the narratives a list of empirically grounded growth-related attributes that are associated with rapid-growth firms. The findings of the study resulted in the advancement of a conceptual model of the attributes of rapid-growth firms in four areas: founder characteristics, firm attributes, business practices, and human resource management (HRM) practices. © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Journal Title

Journal of Business Venturing

Volume

20

Issue/Number

5

Publication Date

1-1-2005

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

663

Last Page

687

WOS Identifier

WOS:000229572200004

ISSN

0883-9026

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