دانلود رایگان مقاله سرمایه اجتماعی کارآفرینان و کارایی شرکت کوچک

ABSTRACT

Despite a surge of studies examining the role of social capital in the entrepreneurial process, no quantitative assessments exist of the empirical evidence to date. To resolve seemingly conflicting results, we conducted a meta-analysis of the link between entrepreneurs' personal networks and small firm performance and identify new moderators affecting this relationship. Analyses of 61 independent samples indicated that the social capital–performance link was positive and significant (rc=.211). Effect sizes of weak ties were smaller than those of structural holes, while network diversity had the largest positive effect on performance. Results also showed that the social capital–performance link depends on the age of small firms, the industry and institutional contexts in which they operate, and on the specific network or performance measures used. Based on these findings, we develop recommendations for future research on the contingent value of social capital for small firms.

7. Conclusion

By synthesizing cumulative findings and uncovering new moderators, this meta-analysis contributes toward better understanding of the contingent value of social capital for small firms and reveals how sampling, research design, and measurement may influence research findings. For entrepreneurs, our results clearly indicate the importance of cultivating personal networks rich in bridging social capital but also reveal that distinct networking strategies are needed at different points in time and in different industries and countries. For researchers, our study certainly supports the increasingly prominent role that social capital theory assumes in the entrepreneurship field but raises new questions about its temporal and contextual boundary conditions. We truly hope that these insights invite scholars in the field to further disentangle the varied roles networks may assume in the entrepreneurial process.