ScholarWorks at UMass Boston

Title

A Final Assessment of Stages Theory: Introducing a Dynamic States Approach to Entrepreneurship

Authors

Jonathan Levie, University of StrathclydeFollow
Benyamin B. Lichtenstein, University of Massachusetts BostonFollow

Document Type

Occasional Paper

Publication Date

6-2009

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 shows no consensus on basic constructs of the approach, nor is there any empirical confirmations of stages theory. However, by changing two propositions of the stages models, a new dynamic states approach is derived. The dynamic states approach has far greater explanatory power than its precursor, and is compatible with leading edge research in entrepreneurship.

Comments

June 2009: Revised and resubmitted to Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice.

Recommended Citation

Levie, Jonathan and Lichtenstein, Benyamin B., "A Final Assessment of Stages Theory: Introducing a Dynamic States Approach to Entrepreneurship" (2009). College of Management Working Papers and Reports. 17.
https://scholarworks.umb.edu/management_wp/17