Applying indicators of orientation to innovations, potential of growth and strategic objectives to explain corporate entrepreneurship: case study of the three finnish companies

• Main Authors: Duobienė, Jurga, Gavėnas, Justas, Anskaitis, Antanas, Pundzienė, Asta
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2007
• Subjects: corporate entrepreneurship; innovation and potential for growth; strategic objectives; Finland; Lapponia
• Online Access: http://ktu.lvb.lt/KTU:ELABAPDB3367153&prefLang=en_US

This paper aims to explore how different Finnish companies develop and sustain entrepreneurial venture. The purpose of the paper is to identify main features and behavioural patterns of the company facilitating entrepreneurial spirit within the companies. The methodology of the research is based on Wickham (2004) concept of entrepreneurial venture. This concept embraces three essential characteristics that distinguish entrepreneurial organization from usual business venture, i.e. innovation, potential for growth, and strategic objectives. Wickham (2004) states that not all entrepreneurial ventures necessarily show an obvious innovation, clear growth potential or formally articulated strategic objectives as well as some small businesses also demonstrate one or more of these characteristics. However entrepreneurial organization makes significant changes to the world. The paper uses case study method. Three different Finnish companies were examined. All three companies are of different types. The city of Vantaa is a social welfare public institution, positioning itself as being an entrepreneur-oriented city neighbouring to the north of Helsinki. The Kalevala Koru Group Ltd. consolidates Kalevala Koru and Lapponia Jewelry, also including Kaunis Koru (which was a separate company in the past) as a modern line of jewellery and now is the largest jewellery manufacturer in Finland. SOL Palvelut Ltd. is a family company that provides cleaning services. All three companies are from the different sectors; however, they demonstrate similarities in entrepreneurial features as well as behaviour patterns. Data for the case study were collected through secondary sources as well as semistructured interviews with CEOs’ – SOL Palvelut Vice-President for international business, the President of Kalevala Koru Group, and City of Vantaa Business Development manager. [.]