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Purpose – The aim of this paper is to introduce the special issue on "Human resource management and corporate entrepreneurship". Design/methodology/approach – The paper discuses the articles in the special issue, which investigate the relationships between human resource management and entrepreneurship from different points of view, approaches and employing different empirical contexts. Findings – The papers highlight different human resource management factors of entrepreneurial behaviour and their influence on corporate entrepreneurship. Results from different empirical contexts as small and medium-size firms, case studies, joint ventures, in the USA, China, and Spain, among others, make important contributions to the previous literature. Originality/value – The paper discusses the intersection and association between human resource management and corporate entrepreneurship. Human resources play an essential role in so far as they can encourage or hinder corporate entrepreneurship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present research focuses on an understudied field in the entrepreneurial process: the events that transform intention into effective entrepreneurial behavior. Design/methodology/approach: In this paper a comparative analysis, using the t-test on related samples, is made of the perceptions of these triggering events of a group of graduates who showed entrepreneurial intention in higher education but, up to now, had not taken the decision to start a business with those of a group who had started a business. To do this, a sample of 227 graduates from a medium-sized European University located in Spain, with manifest entrepreneurial intention was used. Findings: The results show that there are important differences between perceptions of entrepreneurship triggering events of potential entrepreneurs who have yet to start a company compared to entrepreneurs who have actually started a company. In this sense, the overevaluation by those who have not yet become entrepreneurs of events related to access to finance and the greater relevance for those with entrepreneurial experience of having a good team and contacts consisting of other entrepreneurs, mentors and advisers stand out. Research limitations/implications: Some of the limitations observed in this work are related to the size of the sample analyzed. In the future, the study should be broadened, and different entrepreneurial behavior by academic specialization, gender, sector and/or type of activities should be investigated. Originality/value: Our study focuses on the phase of the entrepreneurship process in which intention becomes action and, more specifically, on those events that favor this change in behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to understand why high-skilled immigrants from a developing country (Colombia) are returning to their home country to create businesses instead of starting up in their host country (Spain). Design/methodology/approach - A case study methodology was used to present the experiences of three high-skilled immigrants. All subjects presented had migrated from Colombia to Spain, held degrees from a Colombian university, had a university background in entrepreneurship and intended to run a business in Colombia instead of in Spain. Findings - This study shows how the expectations of highly-skilled immigrants can influence their decision to return to their home country to set up in business. Because of their skills and international experience, these individuals have good professional prospects in their home countries and a lower tolerance of the barriers and difficulties encountered in the host country than immigrants with other profiles. Research limitations/implications - In exploring the high-skilled immigrants' reasons for returning home, future research should pay more attention to personal motivations and cultural differences. Practical implications - The findings will enable policy makers in developing and developed countries to improve policies for attracting or retaining highly-skilled immigrants or emigrants, especially those with entrepreneurial intentions. Originality/value - In a group of immigrants whose skills and talents could offer considerable added value either to their host country or to their home country, this paper examines some of the key processes that influence their decision of where to locate their entrepreneurial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to analyse in-depth collaboration as a process that emerges from interactions among individuals in order to develop entrepreneurial actions within established family firms. The research is contextualized in the metal sector in Catalonia (Spain), using institutional economics as a theoretical framework of reference. Design/methodology/approach - Methodologically, the paper adopt an exploratory perspective and employs a qualitative approach. In particular, a multiple case-study is used to gain deep insights into a contemporary and complex issue within its real-life context, and two case studies are purposefully selected in order to be able to conduct cross-case comparisons. Findings - In the early formation phase of collective entrepreneurship, there are similarities reflecting the networks status of both cases. In contrast, there are some variations concerning the development of collective entrepreneurship within the businesses which affect the type of corporate entrepreneurship (CE) activities developed by the firms. Research limitations/implications - By using a case study approach, it is hard to validate the theories for any more general applicability. Practical implications - Promoting trust in the organizational context, owner-managers may assume the role of intrapreneurs as network or human interaction builders within businesses, in order to promote CE through collective activities. Originality/value - The paper shows that CE activities may be understood from a collective action among employees and owner-managers. The paper also demonstrates that the phenomenon can be place into a broader theoretical context, taking into account the considerations included in institutional economics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper attempts to shed light on the effect of educational programmes aimed at entrepreneurs on innovation and business success. Design/methodology/approach - We use as theoretical framework the theory of planned behaviour. We use a sample of 354 entrepreneurs from Castile and Leon, Spain. To estimate the model we use a path analysis (AMOS 7). Findings - Individuals who are concerned about further management education and entrepreneurship education show themselves to be more innovative. Moreover, indirectly, by means of the relationship between innovation and success, specific entrepreneurship education contributes to obtaining better business results. However, to have reached high levels of formal education makes entrepreneurs less conformist regarding the activity of innovation. The existence of a direct effect of innovative behaviour on business success is confirmed. Research limitations - The limitations which our study presents are principally related to the measurement of the variables. Some of the characteristics of education should be studied more deeply. Practical implications - The results obtained lead us to recommend that the educational centres and institutions which organise the programmes should give preference to specialised education and less to entrepreneurship education when seeking to reinforce the innovative spirit of the entrepreneurs. Originality/value - The debate concerning the effectiveness of entrepreneurship educational programmes is still undecided, so much so that both supporters and detractors of entrepreneurship education exist. For that reason, this paper aims to shed some light on the effects of the educational programmes aimed at the entrepreneur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine immigrant self-employment in Spain. The study aims to determine the likelihood of immigrants being self-employed, the differences between Spaniards and immigrants in terms of self-employment and differences among immigrants from different regions of origin. Design/methodology/approach – Data from the Labour Force Survey for 2005-2011 are used for a descriptive analysis of self-employment. Logit regressions allow us to study the determinants of immigrant self-employment. Findings – Unlike research conducted in other countries, the rate of immigrant self-employment in Spain is lower than that of nationals, although differences exist according to the region of origin. Men and older individuals are more likely to be self-employed. Those with higher levels of education are also more likely to be self-employed – this may be attributable to the decreased availability of skilled positions for immigrants. Research limitations/implications – The sample size does not allow for differential analyses regarding the region of origin or the existence and influence of enclaves. Practical implications – Self-employment may be an opportunity for immigrants to improve their position in the labour market, especially in the case of highly skilled workers. Originality/value – In Spain, analyses of immigrant self-employment are rare and generally focus on case studies. However, this study covers the whole population within a highly specific economic situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to highlight the importance of different technological aspects of organizations on Spanish high-technology firms' performance. Design/methodology/approach – The relationships studied are confirmed empirically using a structural equation model to demonstrate our hypotheses. The sample was selected from the database "Dun & Bradstreet España" in the year 2005 and includes 201 Spanish firms. CEOs were our main informants. Findings – The results obtained show that support from top managers will directly influence the organizational learning (OL) process and technological distinctive competencies (TDCs) (antecedents of corporate entrepreneurship) and that corporate entrepreneurship finally influences organizational performance. Research limitations/implications – The paper is exploratory in character, and its goal is to show whether interrelations exist between the variables. The main limitations are: the sectors chosen refer only to Spain; the analysis is cross-sectional in character; the study uses a single method and self-reports (CEOs). Practical implications – To obtain perfect adaptation of the firm to its environment, it is crucial that managers develop corporate entrepreneurship to improve high-technology sector firms' performance. The paper shows the important role of the top manager's support in developing TDCs and OL. Success in such issues is of vital importance to corporate entrepreneurship in the firm. Originality/value – The paper seeks to stimulate new lines of research on one variable (TDCs) and to relate it to other constructs, producing new relationships and observing their repercussions for the firm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to analyze the ethnic profile of the entrepreneur in relation to business activity, the reasons for creating the firm and the creation process. The aim is to analyze whether or not belonging to a particular ethnic group has an influence on the said processes, regardless of place of birth or nationality. Design/methodology/approach - A total of 326 questionnaires were analyzed in order to carry out an exploratory study on different ethnic communities in the region of Valencia (Spain) by identifying the most influential factors for each of the dimensions studied. Findings - The empirical results obtained show the relevance of ethnic origin. The variables that correspond to business activity, motives for new firm creation and the process involved undergo extremely significant alterations, depending on the origin of the entrepreneur. Research limitations/implications - The paper focuses on a particular geographical area and thus the limitations of the sample, as well as the influence of environmental factors may affect some of the results. Originality/value - The paper contributes towards understanding business activity among an increasingly important collective in a globalized economy and provides valuable knowledge for creating public policy aimed at the integration and development of different ethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose In this study, entrepreneurial internationalization in renewable energy industry as a high-tech and emerging industry was explored. The focus of this study is on firm level factors to understand how and why these companies entered the international markets and what are their challenges and difficulties in this process. To answer these questions, two main streams of literature were used: international entrepreneurship (IE) and sustainable entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approach Case study methodology is selected for this research. Because this subject is new and empirical researches in renewable energy industry are scarce, a method to gather research and in-depth data was adopted. Following suggestions by Eisenhardt (1989), a multiple-case design method was used with nine cases of entrepreneurial companies in renewable energy industry from Spain.Findings Results show that in renewable energy industry firms, resources and capabilities such as need for funding and rapid commercialization are key factors that encourage companies to enter the international market. However, having access to the technological knowledge cannot be a compelling reason for internationalization of renewable energy companies from Spain. Moreover, the interaction between the large and small firms is an important factor that facilitates the process of internationalization.Research limitations/implications In this study, the focus was only on firm level factors, whereas other levels of analysis such as entrepreneur, environment, policy scheme and industrial factors need further attention in future studies. Moreover, this study is only limited to Spanish companies, and future studies can be replicated in other context.Practical implications Findings of the study have significant theoretical and empirical implications. First of all, it explains the entrepreneurial internationalization by taking advantage of sustainable entrepreneurship literature. In addition, empirical results of this study are significantly important for entrepreneurs to implement effective internationalization strategy to survive. Findings of this study can help policy makers for designing a supportive scheme for further development of this industry in the international markets.Originality/value This paper explores the entrepreneurial internationalization of renewable energy companies as an emerging industry by taking advantage of two streams of literature: international entrepreneurship and sustainable entrepreneurship. The results show the phenomenon of early internationalization in pre-commercialization phase. These findings put emphasis on interaction between large and small firms in process of internationalization in this specific industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to examine how the characteristics of CEOs' social networks, such as the size of the network and the strength of the ties, influence strategic flexibility from a strategic orientation perspective. External social networks can affect strategic flexibility positively. Different orientations could have repercussions for the relationship between external social networks and strategic flexibility. Design/methodology/approach – The data came from surveys completed by the managers of 188 Spanish firms. The methodology used was regression analysis. Findings – The authors observe that external social networks affect strategic flexibility positively, more strongly when the networks are greater in size. The sample was classified into three groups: conservative, intermediate and entrepreneurship firms. The authors find that other effects vary according to the kind of strategic orientation in the organization. Both findings support and extend social capital and network theory and flexibility literature. Research limitations/implications – The interviews were held with Spanish CEOs, and the character of the research was cross-sectional. This could have implications for the generalizability of the findings. Originality/value – The authors' results extend previous research not only by highlighting the importance of CEOs' social networks in driving strategic flexibility but also by indicating how different strategic orientations either enhance or inhibit this relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This article aims to review varying concepts of entrepreneurship and different contributions to human resource practices, establishing a theoretical framework that allows for the analysis of the firm Montalt-Valencia (Spain), a Ford-Spain car dealer, and leader in its sector. Design/methodology/approach – The paper, according to the literature, establishes a theoretical framework on entrepreneurship and human resource management through which one can observe and research the Montalt-Valencia case study. The case study is confirmatory, from the theoretical background, and at the same time inductive from the observation of its non-expected details and deeds. Findings – The firm Montalt-Valencia (Spain), which on the surface appears unlikely to be innovative as technology and product characteristics are entirely controlled by the main firm (Ford-España), bases its innovative capacity on a continual process of organizational renewal and gradual improvement in techniques. The sum of these small improvements may lead to a transformation of the levels of organizational efficiency and commitment to the firm, and can substantially alter technical performance, showing a hidden dimension of corporate entrepreneurship. Research limitations/implications – The limitations are those normally found in case studies. The confirmation of the theory, or the inductive results, can only be extrapolated by the enterprises with the same characteristics and, even then, with caution and care. Originality/value – A firm such as Montalt-Valencia, which is a leader in its sector and has received five Chairman's Awards between 2002-2007, is likely to be full of entrepreneurial activity of organizational renewal and innovation, although the gradual sequence of these aspects and their marginal nature make them hard to detect. The main value of this study is to incorporate a firm such as this into the world of corporate entrepreneurship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This article seeks to analyse the human resource management (HRM) practices adopted in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for promoting corporate entrepreneurship (CE) in the Spanish context. The specific objectives of the inquiry revolve around two main research questions: What HRM practices are most beneficial for promoting CE in SMEs? How do HRM practices promote an appropriate working environment for CE in SMEs? Design/methodology/approach – The idea of human resource practices as a key resource is analyzed in the framework of a broader perspective of strategic management known as the resource-based view of the firm. Additionally, literatures concerning CE and HRM in small firms are integrated and reviewed. The empirical study is carried out by adopting a multiple-case study approach. Findings – Evidence shows that the creation of personal relationships and the development of an open communication between owner-managers and employees, and among employees themselves, can help to explain the dynamics of entrepreneurial behaviors within small firms. The openness in the communication is important, not only for promoting CE activities, but also for creating the most appropriate work environment to carry out other resource management practices that stimulate entrepreneurial behaviors. Originality/value – This study integrates the research on CE and HRM practices in a field of study rarely analyzed, such as Spanish SMEs. The approach shows that there is sound evidence supporting the importance of analyzing the factors leading to the emergence of CE, including intangible resources such as the human resource practices that increase the employees' entrepreneurial attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The main objective of this article is to analyse, in depth, the role of gender differences among potential entrepreneurs, their psycho-sociological traits and the incentives and principal obstacles women encounter when initiating a business activity. Design/methodology/approach – The approach adopted in this study focuses on university students as a fundamental source of potential future entrepreneurs. The fieldwork is based on a sample of 1,400 students at the University of Córdoba (Spain). Findings – The results suggest that women are less prone to initiate entrepreneurial activity and that fear of failure is a major obstacle to setting up a company. Furthermore, gender attributes were correlated to a higher probability of embarking on a venture of this type in the future. Practical implications – The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) considers research in this area to be crucial for understanding the economic and social phenomenon of growing female entrepreneurship due to its enormous potential for innovation and job creation. Programmes to promote entrepreneurial activity must take into account differences between men and women in terms of their perceptions and entrepreneurial culture. Originality/value – Research into the gender perspective of entrepreneurial intention is key to gaining deeper insight into the economic and social phenomenon of female entrepreneurship. This study focuses on education, namely the elements that influence the entrepreneurial attitudes and culture of young people and the differences in perception between women and men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]