The Influence of Strategic Focus & Gender on Performance: An Examination of Small Businesses

This study examines the extent to which strategic focus (internal versus external) and the gender of small business owners are predictive of perceived organizational performance. Utilizing a sample of 237 small business owners in the southeastern region of the U.S., a factorial ANOVA was used to test hypotheses related to both constructs. Results indicate that a main effect exists for organizational strategic focus, but not for gender. While female business owners who utilize an internal strategy had the highest levels of perceived performance, the interaction effect was not statistically significant

Applying Theoretical Frameworks to Explicate Physician Acceptance of Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE)

This paper reports the findings of a pilot study undertaken to ascertain the feasibility of incorporating the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Taxonomy of Work Values into the explanation of physician technology acceptance of a new organizational technology – Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE). While Davis’s Technology Acceptance Model has received much empirical support, we posit that certain complexities associated with the physician population and the hospital environment warrant the inclusion of other theoretical models as a means of furthering our understanding of technology acceptance. Although preliminary in nature, this study finds support for the inclusion of both the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Taxonomy of Work Values in further research examining this complex phenomenon

Explaining Physician Technology Acceptance of Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE)

This study explores factors relating to physicians acceptance of technology for computerized physician order entry (CPOE. Given the complexity of the healthcare industry and its unique occupational dynamics, the Davis’ Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) alone may not be an appropriate methodology for explaining technology acceptance as it applies to medical practitioners. Along with perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, the constructs of the TAM, we posit that behavioral constructs also influence physicians’ acceptance of technology. These include the physician work values of achievement, autonomy/independence, relationships and recognition, and physician subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. In this paper, we report findings which provide preliminary empirical support for the theory that work values, norms, and control also influence technology acceptance

Investigating the Entrepreneurial Attitudes of Armenian Immigrants

The current study examined the degree to which first-generation Armenian immigrants residing in the U.S. possessed entrepreneurial attitudes as measured by the Entrepreneurial Attitudes Orientation (EAO) scale. Findings indicated that this group possessed very entrepreneurial like attitudes, with scores on three of the four EAO scales being significantly stronger than the EAO\u27s validation sample\u27s scores. Additional analyses indicated that there were no significant differences in attitudinal strength for males versus females; however, having worked for a small business in the past was associated with significantly stronger entrepreneurial attitudes on three of the four attitudinal scales

Examining the Impact of Small Business Institute Participation on Entrepreneurial Attitudes

Students enrolled in the Small Business Institute® (SBI) at six universities completed the Entrepreneurial Attitudes Orientation survey. A pre-test was administered during the first week of the semester followed by a post-test at the conclusion of the semester to determine if participation in the course affected students' entrepreneurial attitudes. Past research suggests that an "entrepreneurial perspective" can be developed in individuals, and that a primary focus of entrepreneurship education is the development of positive attitudes. Results strongly supported the notion that completion of the SBI course had a major impact on students' entrepreneurial attitudes. Furthermore, a significant interaction effect was found such that women's attitudes were significantly strengthened by completing the course

Strategic Relationships in a Small Business Context: The Impact of Information Quality and Continuous Quality Improvement

This study examines the performance between operational variables for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) within the context of interorganizational relationships. Specifically, it investigates the role of information quality and continuous quality improvement and the varying importance that SMEs place on each of these constructs. The sample consists of 134 vendors of a large university in the southwestern region of the United States.The results indicate that there is a positive relationship between information quality and continuous quality improvement with performance in SMEs. Implications for both research and practice, as well as ideas for future research, are discussed

Organizational Efficacy of Small and Medium-Sized Suppliers: The Role of Information Quality and Continuous Quality Improvement

The role of information quality and continuous quality improvement was analyzed in regards to the organizational efficacy of small and medium-sized suppliers. It was anticipated that both variables would have positive relationships with organizational efficacy. Results supported these hypotheses and demonstrate the importance of firms controlling the flow of quality information and emphasizing continuous quality improvement in order to strengthen organizational efficacy. Given the significant impact of efficacy on individual and group performance and the relationships confirmed as part of the current study, future research is called for such that we might better understand the qualities that characterize the successful supply chain relationships for SMEs

Small Business Owner Satisfaction with Financial Performance: A Longitudinal Study

This exploratory study examines the financial performance satisfaction of small business owners at two time periods: (1) nearing the end of the Great Recession and (2) three years into economic recovery. In addition to considering small business owners in general, special attention has been paid to women and minority owners. Using independent samples t-tests, results indicate that business owners are more satisfied with their financial performance in 2012 than they were in 2009. However, results were not consistent for all subgroups of the population; differences exist between men and women owners and between Caucasian and minority owners. Whereas men mirrored the results for all business owners, women did not report increased satisfaction in any of the five areas of financial performance examined. Caucasian owners reported increases in four of the five areas of financial health and minority owners saw an increase in only three. The study also provides practical implications and areas for future research