Configurations of effectuation, causation, and bricolage: implications for firm growth paths

Wenwen An (), Charles-Clemens Rüling (), Xin Zheng () and Jianqi Zhang ()
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Wenwen An: Guangdong University of Technology
Charles-Clemens Rüling: Grenoble Ecole de Management, Univ Grenoble Alpes CoMUE
Xin Zheng: Sun Yat-Sen University
Jianqi Zhang: Sun Yat-Sen University

Small Business Economics, 2020, vol. 54, issue 3, No 11, 843-864

Abstract: Abstract This study examines how firms’ decision-making logics and entrepreneurial resourcing behaviors combine to create value. We conduct a qualitative comparative analysis investigating configurations of effectuation, causation, and bricolage that are associated with firm performance. We consider firm size and development stage as contextual factors that differentiate the effectiveness of ways in which firms combine effectuation, causation, and bricolage. Using a sample of 305 Chinese firms, we find six solutions explaining entrepreneurial processes in high-performing firms. Based on a comparison of effective configurations across firm size and development stages, we theorize three paths along which small early-stage firms can evolve into large late-stage firms while maintaining high performance.

Keywords: Effectuation; Causation; Bricolage; Firm performance; Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L26 M10 M13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (24)

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DOI: 10.1007/s11187-019-00155-8

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