Collaborative Research on Small Business Network Creation and Outcomes for Change and Innovation

小型企业网络创建及变革和创新成果的合作研究

• 批准号: 0452129
• 负责人: Nancy Miller
• 金额: $ 23万
• 依托单位: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2005
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2005-05-15 至 2010-04-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0452129&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Collaborative; Research; Small; Business; Network

This research studies small business networks using the frameworks of both institutional theory and social capital theory to explain formal network formation and strategic network behavior. The objectives are to examine in these emerging business networks: 1) how the network as an institution formalizes and develops components of social capital, 2) why and how cooperative ties develop and endure among members; 3) what type and quantity of resources flow along the ties; and 4) how these ties impact adoption of innovation and organizational change. This interdisciplinary research approach offers an extension of current economic, social, and strategic management theories by examining how cooperative relationships begin and develop among networks of independent business owners, and by expanding the domain of empirical research to groups that have received little attention in the literature - rural, Hispanic, and women-owned businesses.The project investigators, with a research history in small business management and strategic networking, will partner with network coordinators to conduct analyses of four new networks. Data collection methods will include interviews with small business owners as they initiate collective actions within the network, observation and measurement of interactions taking place in formal network meetings and informal member contact, and examination of archival documents. Change that is episodic, discontinuous, and intentional will be measured within the network organization and within the member firms. Measures of innovation will include the introduction of products, processes, and services. This investigation is particularly well-timed in that networking is a prominent, but newly emerging, organizational form with little existing measurement of the internal structuring and early development of actual networks.Broader Impacts: What is novel and theoretically interesting about the study of small business networking is that it offers insight as to how cooperation can grow and persist among traditionally non-cooperating firms. Networks, rather than mergers and acquisitions, are said to be a more lucrative way to combine firm strengths in collaborations that facilitate research and new product development. Linking small businesses may provide opportunities encouraging change and initiating innovation. Findings from this project will assist policymakers in their programs to promote small business creation, retention, and expansion. The alliances will facilitate dissemination of research-based information for small businesses. Also, the research will contribute to graduate and undergraduate college courses in rural and community development, social change, and small business management at U Nebraska-Lincoln and Iowa State.

本研究使用制度理论和社会资本理论的框架来研究小型企业网络，以解释正式网络的形成和战略网络行为。目标是研究这些新兴商业网络：1）网络作为一个机构如何规范和发展社会资本的组成部分，2）成员之间合作关系为何以及如何发展和持久； 3）沿纽带流动的资源类型和数量； 4) 这些联系如何影响创新和组织变革的采用。这种跨学科研究方法通过研究独立企业主网络之间的合作关系如何开始和发展，并将实证研究领域扩展到文献中很少受到关注的群体（农村、西班牙裔和女性拥有的企业），扩展了当前的经济、社会和战略管理理论。具有小企业管理和战略网络研究历史的项目研究人员将与网络协调员合作，对以下四个方面进行分析： 新网络。数据收集方法将包括在小企业主在网络内发起集体行动时对其进行访谈，观察和衡量正式网络会议和非正式成员接触中发生的互动，以及检查档案文件。偶发的、不连续的和有意的变化将在网络组织和成员公司内部进行衡量。创新措施将包括引入产品、流程和服务。这项调查的时机特别好，因为网络是一种突出的、新兴的组织形式，对实际网络的内部结构和早期发展几乎没有现有的衡量标准。 更广泛的影响：小型企业网络研究的新颖性和理论上的有趣之处在于，它提供了关于如何在传统的非合作企业之间发展和持续合作的见解。据说，网络而不是并购是一种更有利可图的方式，可以在合作中结合公司的优势，从而促进研究和新产品的开发。将小企业联系起来可能会提供鼓励变革和发起创新的机会。该项目的研究结果将有助于政策制定者制定促进小企业创建、保留和扩张的计划。这些联盟将有助于为小企业传播基于研究的信息。此外，该研究还将为内布拉斯加大学林肯分校和爱荷华州立大学农村和社区发展、社会变革以及小企业管理方面的研究生和本科生课程做出贡献。