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A Final Assessment Of Stages Theory: Introducing A Dynamic States Approach To Entrepreneurship, Jonathan Levie, Benyamin B. Lichtenstein
A Final Assessment Of Stages Theory: Introducing A Dynamic States Approach To Entrepreneurship, Jonathan Levie, Benyamin B. Lichtenstein
College of Management Working Papers and Reports
Stages of Growth models were the most frequent theoretical approach to understanding entrepreneurial business growth from 1962 to 2006; they built on the growth imperative and developmental models of that time. An analysis of the universe of such models (N=104) published in the management literature shows no consensus on basic constructs of the approach, nor is there any empirical confirmations of stages theory. However, by changing two propositions of the stages models, a new dynamic states approach is derived. The dynamic states approach has far greater explanatory power than its precursor, and is compatible with leading edge research in entrepreneurship.
Moving Far From Far-From-Equilibrium: Opportunity Tension As The Driver Of Emergence, Benyamin B. Lichtenstein
Moving Far From Far-From-Equilibrium: Opportunity Tension As The Driver Of Emergence, Benyamin B. Lichtenstein
College of Management Working Papers and Reports
Complexity scholars have identified two distinct drivers of emergence: (1) Far-from-equilibrium dynamics that trigger order creation, and (2) adaptive tension (McKelvey, 2004) which can push a system toward instability, leading to the emergence of new order. In this paper I suggest that both are true but incomplete. For example, when drawn out to the extreme, a far-fromequilibrium framework generates a contradiction by suggesting that the most dynamic organizations are the ones farthest-from-thermodynamic equilibrium – like Exxon or GE for example. Adaptive tension portrays the effect of a dynamic push without identifying the cause. I suggest “Opportunity Tension” as an alternative, …