Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

Growth can occur as the result of a number of different actions. To many, growth is defined as an increase in the number and dollar amount of sales. To others, it is the result of selling new products to both new and existing customers. For others, it is an expansion of the sales territory from local to regional to national to international areas. In this part we examine factors that enhance growth from both an internal, within the firm perspective, to external methods of growth. We also discuss methods of joining forces with others as an entry method or for expansion purposes. Davidsson in chapter 2 describes the processes in this section as being “organic” (growth from within the firm) and acquisitional (joining forces with others.) This part includes an examination of the impact of the top management teams, “Entrepreneurial Teams and Venture Growth” by Birley and Stockley in chapter 14. Arbaugh and Camp in chapter 15 examine the problems and transitions that a firm experiences as it grows in “Managing Growth Transitions: Theoretical Perspectives and Research Directions.” Autio in chapter 16 examines the “Growth of Technology-based New Firms” and provides an overview of the research tradition on these firms that seem to outpace many others. In chapter 17, Cooper and Folta also examine high-technology firms and addresses the issues of why they start where they do and how location ... log in or subscribe to read full text