The creation and evolution of new business ventures: an activity theory perspective
Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development
ISSN: 1462-6004
Article publication date: 22 February 2008
Abstract
Purpose
The paper seeks to draw on the work of Engeström to set out an activity theory framework for the analysis of entrepreneurs engaged in the creation of new business ventures (NBVs). Adopting an activity‐based approach involves analysing the actions of individual and groups that are mediated through a range of devices, including language and physical artefacts.
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical data are based on a small sample of “scholars” taking part in a UK government‐sponsored initiative to promote enterprise: the New Entrepreneur Scholarship (NES). The data were collected by means of semi‐structured interviews with the entrepreneurs. NVivo software was then used to systemise the data according to the six dimensions of the activity theory triangle.
Findings
The cases illustrate the contradictions and tensions that confront nascent entrepreneurs as they consider the horizon of possibilities associated with their business idea. The paper demonstrates that the new business actually emerges from a contested set of relationships within which the entrepreneur plays a critical, creative, but far from solitary, role.
Research limitations/implications
The use of activity theory helps provide a better understanding of how entrepreneurs engaged in relatively mundane business start‐ups actually identify and develop “new” opportunities. This is in contrast to many studies of entrepreneurial activity which focus on “high‐tech” or fast‐growing firms.
Originality/value
This is an exploratory study which utilises the activity theory framework to understand the difficulties and rewards for individuals with limited human and social capital to create successful new firms.
Keywords
Citation
Jones, O. and Holt, R. (2008), "The creation and evolution of new business ventures: an activity theory perspective", Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 51-73. https://doi.org/10.1108/14626000810850847
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited