Research on Innovation Behavior and Performance of New Generation Entrepreneur Based on Grounded Theory

Hongjun Guan, Zhen Zhang, Aiwu Zhao, Jinyuan Jia and Shuang Guan
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Hongjun Guan: School of Management Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Finance and Economics, Jinan 250014, China
Zhen Zhang: School of Management Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Finance and Economics, Jinan 250014, China
Aiwu Zhao: School of Management Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Finance and Economics, Jinan 250014, China
Jinyuan Jia: School of Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Shuang Guan: Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, New York, NY 10012, USA

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 10, 1-19

Abstract: In China, new generation entrepreneurs are gradually becoming the main force of intergenerational inheritance. New generation entrepreneurs have different educational background, growth experience and personality characteristics from the old generation entrepreneurs. They are endowed with the historical mission of an innovative generation. Therefore, it is of great significance to reveal the key factors influencing their innovative behavior and find out how to inspire their innovative behavior. Based on grounded theory and in-depth interviews, this study used NVivo 11 to deal with the recording materials. After a series of steps including open coding, spindle coding, selective coding and theoretical saturation test, it constructed a theoretical model of innovative behavior and innovative performance for new generation entrepreneurs. The purpose of this study was to improve the theory of entrepreneur innovation behavior and provide guidance for government to cultivate innovative spirit and innovative ability of new generation entrepreneurs. The research showed that: (1) New generation entrepreneurs’ personal traits and educational background affect their perceptions of innovation. (2) Risk awareness, understanding of innovation content and social capital would influence innovation behaviors. (3) Innovation behaviors further lead to changes in organization performance. Therefore, government should provide more opportunities for new generation entrepreneurs to widen their knowledge, social resources and innovation environment.

Keywords: new generation entrepreneurs; innovation behaviors; depth interview; grounded theory (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:10:p:2883-:d:232983

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