It is known that established organisations have to act entrepreneurial in order to remain competitive, especially in the long term. Corporate entrepreneurship offers the opportunity for organisations to maintain this dynamism and realise new business models. Although there are numerous studies on this topic, a general overview is still not available as most authors refer to only parts of corporate entrepreneurship. Thus, the aim of this thesis was to offer a holistic summary of the concept and deepen readers’ understanding by consolidating a multitude of individual perspectives. A literature review was applied for this author to gather information from the most relevant sources. Based on this review, the subject of corporate entrepreneurship can be divided into four categories of related factors: strategy and management, organisational structure; environment; and finances. However, all of these factors are connected, and the comprehensive review of existing literature suggests that corporate entrepreneurship should be achieved through a holistic approach.
Es ist bekannt, dass etablierte Unternehmen fortlaufend unternehmerisch agieren müssen, um langfristig wettbewerbsfähig zu bleiben. Corporate Entrepreneurship bietet die Chance, diese Dynamik zu erhalten und neue Geschäftsmodelle zu realisieren. Obwohl es zu diesem Thema zahlreiche Literaturen gibt, fehlt noch ein allgemeiner Überblick, da sich die meisten Autoren lediglich auf Teilaspekte beziehen. Ziel der Arbeit war es daher, einen ganzheitlichen Überblick von Corporate Entrepreneurship zu bieten und durch die Zusammenführung der Vielzahl von Einzelaspekten das Wissen zu vertiefen. Dabei wird die Forschungsmethode der Literaturrecherche angewandt, um die Informationen aus relevanten Quellen zusammen zu führen. Die Studie hat gezeigt, dass das Thema wie folgt unterteilt werden kann: Strategie und Management, Organisationsstruktur, Umweltfaktoren und finanzielle Faktoren. Die Inhalte sind jedoch miteinander verbunden und legen nahe, dass Corporate Entrepreneurship aus einem ganzheitlichen Ansatz heraus erreicht werden sollte.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Motivation
1.1.1 Research Gap
1.1.2 Personal Motivation
1.2 Aim of Research Study
1.3 Methodology
1.4 Thesis Structure
2. Theoretical Foundation
2.1 Definition of Terms
2.1.1 Innovation
2.1.2 Entrepreneurship
2.1.3 Corporate Entrepreneurship
2.2 The Struggle of Implementing Corporate Entrepreneurship
3. Themes Related to Corporate Entrepreneurship
3.1 Environmental Factors
3.1.1 Environmental Scanning
3.1.2 Characteristics of Environments
3.1.3 Other Environmental Aspects
3.2 Strategy and Management
3.2.1 Organisational Types
3.2.2 Strategy Development
3.2.3 Responsibilities of Management
3.3 Organisational Structure
3.3.1 Hierarchy and Structure
3.3.2 Routines and Processes
3.3.3 Control System
3.3.4 Reward System
3.3.5 Corporate Culture
3.4 Financial Factors
3.4.1 Financial Performance
3.4.2 Ownership Systems
4. Closing Chapter
4.1 Summary
4.2 Conclusion
4.3 Limitations and Recommendations for Future Research
Research Objectives & Core Themes
This thesis aims to provide a holistic overview of Corporate Entrepreneurship (CE) by consolidating existing literature. It seeks to close the research gap regarding the lack of a general framework, specifically examining how established organizations can foster entrepreneurial activities to maintain competitiveness and realize new business models.
- Theoretical foundation and definition of key terms like innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Identification of four core thematic categories: Environmental Factors, Strategy & Management, Organisational Structure, and Financial Factors.
- Critical analysis of obstacles to CE implementation in established companies.
- Evaluation of research results regarding management responsibilities, organizational design, and corporate culture.
- Critical appraisal of existing studies and recommendations for future research directions.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1.1 Environmental Scanning
The origin of scanning dates back to the ancient Greeks. It was trusted that victory in battles strongly depended on having sufficient intelligence to make competent, tactical and strategic decisions (Box, 1991; as cited in Barringer & Bluedorn, 1999, p. 423). Today, scanning is used by managers for more harmless, but similar reasons. By monitoring the environment, organisations can gather valuable information about opportunities and risks outside of the company (external) as well as strengths and weaknesses inside the company (internal) (Dess et al., 2014; as cited in Engelen et al., 2015, p. 67). Entrepreneurial managers use the method of scanning as a tool to remain competitive. As companies, especially those operating in fast changing environments, must continuously innovate in order to stay competitive. Scanning methods help companies identify and leverage environmental change (Barringer & Bluedorn, 1999, p. 423).
For example, an internal evaluation can reveal explicit and implicit skills and make resources visible, such as specific know-how within an organisation. These findings can then be compared with other businesses, such as competitors or companies developing in emerging markets (Engelen et al., 2015, p. 67). Scanning is a method used for risk evaluation or ‘uncertainty absorption’. It can lower risk-related barriers and therefore increase a company’s chances of engaging with a potential entrepreneurial venture (Barringer & Bluedorn, 1999, p. 423).
However, it is important to put these results into perspective: ‘Besides conducting effective environmental scanning, executives should recognize the importance of their own perceptions of the environment for entrepreneurship’ (Shaker A. Zahra, 1993, p. 334). The data gathered in this study suggest multiple options. Before settling whether to initiate or approve new ventures, managers should probe the assumptions behind these options (Shaker A. Zahra, 1993, p. 334).
Based on these findings, the implementation of the scanning method and resulting decision making can increase entrepreneurial activities in an organisation.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the importance of corporate innovation for maintaining competitiveness and defines the research scope and goals.
2. Theoretical Foundation: This section provides definitions for core concepts and explores why established organizations often struggle to implement entrepreneurial practices.
3. Themes Related to Corporate Entrepreneurship: This central chapter categorizes key factors influencing CE, including environmental conditions, strategy, structure, and finance, and evaluates them based on literature.
4. Closing Chapter: This chapter summarizes the general findings, answers the defined research questions, and discusses the limitations of the current study along with suggestions for further research.
Keywords
Corporate Entrepreneurship, CE, Innovation, Strategic Management, Organisational Structure, Environmental Scanning, Entrepreneurial Orientation, Business Renewal, Intrapreneurship, Corporate Culture, Risk Management, Financial Performance, Competitive Advantage, Organizational Design, Literature Review
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this thesis?
This thesis focuses on providing a holistic summary and consolidated overview of the existing literature on Corporate Entrepreneurship (CE), exploring its various facets rather than focusing only on partial aspects.
What are the primary themes covered in the work?
The work is structured around four main thematic pillars: Environmental Factors, Strategy and Management, Organisational Structure, and Financial Factors.
What is the main objective or research question?
The study aims to synthesize existing research to offer a holistic understanding of CE. The primary research questions concern the thematic categorization of results, the evaluation of these subdivisions, and identifying which areas have received the most research attention.
What scientific method is applied?
The thesis is a qualitative study based on a systematic literature review, utilizing the Scopus database to identify and evaluate relevant academic sources with a minimum citation count of 400.
What is the content of the main section?
The main section (Chapter 3) details specific environmental, strategic, structural, and financial variables that influence the success of entrepreneurial activities within large, established organizations.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Corporate Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Strategic Management, Organisational Structure, and Environmental Scanning, among others related to firm performance and business renewal.
Why is the reduction of bureaucracy mentioned as significant?
Bureaucracy is identified as a barricade to entrepreneurial behavior, as it tends to formalize processes and create rigid structures that impede the flexibility necessary for innovation.
How does corporate culture influence CE?
Corporate culture is described as having a direct influence on organizational processes; a "controlled" and actively managed culture is essential to align employee behavior and values with the strategic goals of Corporate Entrepreneurship.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Claudia Gabriel (Autor:in), 2020, Corporate Entrepreneurship. What we know so far, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1185726
