A terminal assessment of stages theory: Introducing a dynamic states approach to entrepreneurship

Jonathan Levie, Benyamin B. Lichtenstein

Research output: Contribution to a Journal (Peer & Non Peer)Articlepeer-review

267 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Stages of growth models were the most frequent theoretical approach to understanding entrepreneurial business growth from 1962 to 2006; they built on the growth imperative and developmental models of that time. An analysis of the universe of such models (n = 104) published in the management literature showed no consensus on basic constructs of the approach, and no empirical confirmation of stages theory. However, by changing two propositions of stages theory, a new dynamic states approach was derived. The dynamic states approach has far greater explanatory power than its precursor, and is compatible with leading edge research in entrepreneurship.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)317-350
Number of pages34
JournalEntrepreneurship: Theory and Practice
Volume34
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2010
Externally publishedYes

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