Knowledge that Transforms

Contemporary field studies could avoid the fate of their post-World War II predecessors (the first article In this issue), by being used as a basis for knowledge cumulation. This could be achieved by using published field studies for coding and statistical analysis, or by using other researchers’ data for indexing and ethnographic analysis. Coding and Indexing should distinguish classical from radial categories, to improve conceptual clarity about “entrepreneurship.”

This article argues that the recognition of anomaly in organizations is socially organized through the formation of virtual entrepreneurial groups. The process of group formation and incorporation within the organization Is described. The new group, e.g. a virtual group, Is a mobile strategic position within an existing organization. Case data is drawn from a two-year observational period in a firm which underwent a major reorganization. A mix of qualitative and quantitative methodologies is used to describe the adjustment of this new group with existing groups before and after reorganization. Differences in inter- and intra-communication and work patterns are discussed.

Entrepreneurship researchers operate from various paradigms that embrace a wide range of methods from quantitative to qualitative. The studies in this special issue offer an interesting mixture of field methods. We examine the authors’ epistemological (“How do we know?”) and teleological (“Why do we know?”) choices, which affect the types of data gathered, the ways In which the data are analyzed, and the kinds of Interpretations formed about the data. By placing these studies in their methodological context, we believe the truthfulness and credibility of the conclusions drawn by the authors will be better appreciated and more fully understood.

The recently passed North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Includes Important provisions for U.S. unemployed workers who are interested in becoming self-employed. The provisions of this act allow states to establish self-employment assistance programs as part of their unemployment compensation system. This paper reports on two recent demonstrations, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, to test the ability of the U.S. employment security and economic development systems to help unemployment insurance recipients start businesses. The results of these demonstrations have helped policymakers reach the conclusion that self-employment assistance programs are viable policy tools to promote the rapid reemployment of unemployed workers.

This study uses canonical correlation analysis to examine the Interrelationships among balance sheet accounts for 190 small, publicly traded corporations. The results suggest that small, public corporations manage risk with the concurrent use of cash and equity, use long-term assets as collateral for long-term debt, and use accounts payable and other current debt to finance receivables and Inventories. Small, public corporations have characteristics similar to both small, private businesses and large corporations, while having unique, Individual qualities. These findings can be attributed to the small, public corporation having greater access to the capital markets than the small, private business, but facing greater constraints than the large corporation In accessing those markets. These results Increase the understanding of the sources and uses of funds for the small, public corporations and Indicates that financing strategies tend to evolve as firms grow.