Title: Risk propensity, risk perception and business plan formalisation: a conceptual investigation

Authors: Larry C. Giunipero, Diane Denslow, Horace L. Melton

Addresses: Department of Marketing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1110, USA. ' Department of Management, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA. ' Department of Marketing, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-5590, USA

Abstract: The objective of this research is to analyse the risk propensity and risk perception of the entrepreneur and determine if these affect the degree of formalisation in business plans. This was accomplished by in-depth interviews with 12 entrepreneurs in the business-to-business sector. Risk propensity was constructed as a multi-dimensional construct. Results showed partial support for increased formality of business plans where risk propensity was high and risk perception (controllability of uncertainty) was low. Further there is strong support for lower risk propensity of experienced entrepreneurs.

Keywords: entrepreneurship; risk propensity; risk perception; business plans; business planning; uncertainty; entrepreneurs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2008.022312

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2008 Vol.8 No.4, pp.397 - 416

Published online: 31 Dec 2008 *

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