From “manager” to “strategist”
Dillen, Yannick Laveren, Eddy Martens, Rudy De Vocht, Sven Van Imschoot, Eric
Dillen, Yannick
Laveren, Eddy
Martens, Rudy
De Vocht, Sven
Van Imschoot, Eric
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Publication Type
Journal article with impact factor
Editor
Supervisor
Publication Year
2019-01-14
Journal
International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research
Book
Publication Volume
25
Publication Issue
1
Publication Begin page
2
Publication End page
28
Publication Number of pages
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Abstract
Purpose Few high-growth firms (HGFs) are able to maintain high-growth over time. The purpose of this paper is to find out why only a small number of firms become persistent HGFs, explicitly focusing on the role of the founding entrepreneur in this process. Design/methodology/approach Initially, 28 semi-structured interviews were performed with high-growth entrepreneurs to discover why so few founders could become persistent high-growth entrepreneurs. In a second phase, four case studies were conducted to uncover the factors that facilitate a swift evolution from the “managerial” role to the “strategic” role. Findings High-growth entrepreneurs, who quickly make a transition from a managerial role into a strategic role are more likely to keep their firm on its high-growth trajectory. This transition is made possible by: the early development of strategic skills; the presence of a high quality human capital base; and an organizational structure with characteristics from Mintzberg’s “machine bureaucracy.” Practical implications The results are vital for entrepreneurs of “one-shot” HGFs with the ambition to make their firm a “persistent” HGF. If high-growth rates are to be sustained, the three factors that emerged from the authors’ analysis should foster the delegation of managerial tasks, resulting in an easier transition toward a “strategic role.” Originality/value Insights are valuable as both founders and governmental institutions can benefit from knowing which factors contribute to a successful phase transition from “manager” to “strategist.”
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Keywords
35 Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services, 3507 Strategy, Management and Organisational Behaviour