The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Financial Bootstrapping as Relational Contract : Linking resource needs, bootstrapping behaviors, and outcomes of bootstrapping exchanges

På svenska

Author

Summary, in English

The aim of this thesis is to develop a conceptual model for understanding conditions for and outcomes of bootstrapping behaviors. Recent literature on financial bootstrapping in new firms acknowledges the necessity to consolidate and conceptualize the existing knowledge. Yet, the focus and findings of current research remain dispersed and at times contradictory, which might indicate the need for consolidation and conceptualization. Bootstrapping to date has been mostly studied cross-sectionally, with the help of quantitative methods and with reliance on theoretical concepts borrowed from disciplines that poorly describe a new firm’s reality. In this thesis, I develop the understanding of bootstrapping exchanges as relational contracts between the entrepreneur and resource-providing stakeholders, and demonstrate the process-bound nature of norms, conditions, and gradually emerging outcomes of bootstrapping behaviors. My longitudinal study employs a qualitative, case-within-a-case approach, offering a methodological contribution to upcoming research. This study also contributes with comprehensive literature studies of bootstrapping and relational contracting knowledge, comprising the systematic reviews and bibliometric analysis. The study offers contribution for practicing entrepreneurs by discussing the gradually emerging, fine-grained outcomes of bootstrapping behaviors that may lead to larger implications, for instance for a firm’s growth and possibilities for attracting external financing. Thus, the main contribution to policy actors and entrepreneurial practice is presenting the practical, multi-stakeholder perspective on bootstrapping exchanges, conditions for bootstrapping behaviors, and their outcomes.

Department/s

Publishing year

2021-04-21

Language

English

Publication/Series

Lund Studies in Economics and Management

Document type

Dissertation

Publisher

Lunds universitet, Media-Tryck

Topic

  • Business Administration

Keywords

  • Financial Bootstrapping
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Relational contracting
  • Contractual Norms
  • Bootstrapping’s Conditions
  • Bootstrapping’s Outcomes
  • Longitudinal Case Study

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISBN: 978-91-7895-826-9
  • ISBN: 978-91-7895-825-2

Defence date

19 May 2021

Defence time

13:15

Defence place

Rhenmansalen/Ideon Alfa 5:B413

Opponent

  • Dilani Jayawarna (Professor)