REGEPE Entrepreneurship and Small Business Journal

Entrepreneurial expectations towards the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic: Empirical evidence in Brazil

Gustavo Henrique Silva de Souza — 2023-06-01

Objective: To investigate entrepreneurial expectations towards the COVID-19 pandemic through empirical evidence of business practices in Brazil during the beginning of the social distancing period. Also, we sought to test cognitive adaptability and human values as predictors of the decision-making process and to test whether infection with COVID-19 or proximity to the disease related to these constructs. Method: A cross-sectional study was developed with a non-probabilistic sample of 313 Brazilian entrepreneurs, in which four instruments were applied. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were carried out (e. g., exploratory factor analysis and multiple linear regressions). Originality/Relevance: The study contributes to understanding the business decision-making processes through constructs associated with human values and cognitive adaptability. Results: Human and social conditions of survival and the commitment to personal and business financial obligations guide entrepreneurial behaviour. In cases where there was contagion or proximity to the disease, entrepreneurs started to show thoughtful decisions, affective support for employees, flexibility in organizational control, and more empathic values. Theoretical/methodological contributions: This study points out the possible impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to entrepreneurs and how psychological variables explain their behaviour. Social/managerial contributions: Additionally, it sheds light on entrepreneurship from the needs and desires experienced at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and on the broader dimension directed to the serious problems experienced today.

Quantitative research in entrepreneurship using R software for data analysis

Daniel do Prado Pagotto — 2023-05-02

Objective of the study: this editorial aims to present an overview of Brazilian quantitative research in entrepreneurship, as well as describing possibilities for advancing this methodological approach. Methodology and approach: the article consists of an editorial publication, built from bibliographic research of entrepreneurship literature and theoretical reflections. Main Results: Most national entrepreneurship research follows a qualitative approach. Despite its relevance, quantitative research also has multiple potentialities, especially associated with the use of data originating from secondary sources. Main theoretical and methodological contributions: We present public databases that can be used by entrepreneurship researchers to advance theory. Some strategies for using these bases are exemplified through a brief tutorial in R language. We further debate about strategies to strengthen quantitative research in the area. Finally, we bring a research agenda. Relevance/Originality: contents that are still little explored in the national literature are presented, such as the use of secondary data and machine learning. Social and managerial contributions: some of the databases presented in the study come from government sources and can be used to support the construction of public policies for entrepreneurship. In addition, the precepts on quantitative research presented in this editorial can support managers who work with data analysis to perform more robust studies, regardless of the area, whether practical or academic.

Absorptive capacity and the diffusion of innovation in NTBFs and startups: A study in the Brazilian Federal District

Bruno Alencar Pereira — 2023-04-12

Purpose: To verify the contribution of the Absorptive Capacity (ACAP) to the diffusion of innovation in New Technology-Based Firms (NTBFs) and startups in the Brazilian Federal District. Method: In-depth interviews study with 20 innovative firms, 12 (twelve) startups and 8 (eight) NTBFs. The results are discussed in two items of analysis: Analysis of the profile of the firms and the Analysis of the Descending Hierarchical Classification (DHC) and of the content, in a comparative perspective around 14 thematic categories. Findings: The development factors associated with the Potential of Absorptive Capacity (PACAP) were observed as the antecedents of the diffusion of innovation. On the other hand, factors related to the Realized Absorptive Capacity (RACAP) are involved directly in the diffusion of innovation, with emphasis on the ability to generate innovation results through channels of market introduction, adoption of new technologies and financial investments. Theoretical/methodological contributions: The study contributes to the theoretical field, still lacking in production, especially regionally, on the relationship between the constructs investigated in the context of innovative firms. Supporting programs, can gain insights to improve the advanced support that facilitates access to knowledge to be adopted and conversion into innovation. Relevance/originality: The research extends the understanding of the relationship between ACAP and the diffusion of innovation, involving the absorption of knowledge and the dynamics of these constructs through the integration of critical factors in specific contexts still little investigated, such as in NTBFs and startups involving regional innovation ecosystems. Management/Social Contributions: The empirical investigation and factors addressed provide managerial implications for the practices of these firms when developing innovations, as well as for planning, developing or strengthening innovation programs and policies.