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

    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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