LEADERSHIP PRACTICES COMMON TO ENTREPRENEURS IN TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER START-UPS
Thomas J. Boyle, Penn State University
Principal Topic
This paper analyzed the leadership practices of founders of university entrepreneurial start-ups. The relationship among leadership practices across industries; the differences between male and female entrepreneurs, and the pattern of leadership practices employed by entrepreneurs will be investigated. The relationship between leadership and entrepreneurship may be identified using the leadership practices.
Method
Random samples of twenty-five universities, with technology transfer offices, were selected from across the United States. These technology offices are responsible for identifying potential discoveries, inventions, and technologies that can be licensed and commercialized. The result is oftentimes a new start-up company. The representative sample consists of 100 start-up organizations.
Implications
The results of this research provides insight on the relationship between leadership practices of founders and new business formation. The pattern of leadership practices displayed by entrepreneurs may shed light on the leadership keys to successful start-ups. The results may have implications for the education and training of entrepreneurs, especially in the area of leadership development.
CONTACT: Thomas J. Boyle, Penn State University, 3000 Ivyside Park CLRC-160, Altoona, PA 16601-3760; (T) 814-949-5512; (F) 814-949-5547; tjb19@psu.edu
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