Title: The effects of social capital on the performance of newly founded businesses in Slovenia

Authors: Ana Kuntarič; Erich J. Schwarz; Robert J. Breitenecker; Malgorzata A. Wdowiak

Addresses: Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt, Department of Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship, Universitaetsstrasse 65-67, 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria. ' Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt, Department of Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship, Universitaetsstrasse 65-67, 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria. ' Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt, Department of Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship, Universitaetsstrasse 65-67, 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria. ' Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt, Department of Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship, Universitaetsstrasse 65-67, 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria

Abstract: The paper explores the impact of entrepreneur|s social capital on new venture performance. We adopt a multidimensionality approach of social capital by examining the influence of the different dimensions (structural, relational, cognitive and resource dimension) on new venture performance. In particular, we focus on ventures that are within their first year of operation. The data consists of 300 newly founded businesses. Hypotheses were tested with multiple regression analysis. The results of our study reveal that Slovenian start-ups mostly rely on their strong ties when starting their business. Furthermore, the performance is significantly influenced by the approval of the personal network, representing the cognitive dimension of social capital.

Keywords: social capital; new venture performance; personal networks; business start-ups; Slovenia; newly founded businesses; new business ventures; multidimensionality approaches; structural dimensions; relational dimensions; cognitive dimensions; resource dimensions; multiple regression analysis; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; entrepreneurs; entrepreneurship; interdisciplinary research; Europe.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2012.044591

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2012 Vol.15 No.1, pp.100 - 115

Published online: 14 Aug 2014 *

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