Social capital of entrepreneurs and small firm performance: A meta-analysis of contextual and methodological moderators

Despite a surge of studies examining the role of social capital in the entrepreneurial process, no quantitative assessments exist of the empirical evidence to date. To resolve seemingly conflicting results, we conducted a meta-analysis of the link between entrepreneurs' personal networks and small firm performance and identify new moderators affecting this relationship. Analyses of 61 independent samples indicated that the social capital–performance link was positive and significant (r_c = .211). Effect sizes of weak ties were smaller than those of structural holes, while network diversity had the largest positive effect on performance. Results also showed that the social capital–performance link depends on the age of small firms, the industry and institutional contexts in which they operate, and on the specific network or performance measures used. Based on these findings, we develop recommendations for future research on the contingent value of social capital for small firms.     

Reference Data Models for the Strategic Controlling of Waste Management Firms

The paper depicts the development of reference data models for strategic key performance indicator systems specific to waste management firms providing a new comprehensive typology of generic models for data warehouse solutions. Additionally, a development methodology for industry solutions is applied, which, given the empirically founded typification process and the theoretically derived performance measurement systems, is characterized by a high degree of structure and transparency. The new approach thus systematically integrates both inductive-empirical and deductive-analytical elements.