Instrumental Value Theory and the Human Capital of Entrepreneurs

J.D. Levie, E. Gimmon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)
504 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Given the contribution of Schumpeterian entrepreneurship to technological progress and well-being, the accuracy of investment decisions by venture capitalists is a societal issue. Venture capitalists find the human capital of entrepreneurs difficult to assess. This paper employs instrumental value theory to assess the value of different human capital factors to the performance of new ventures. A meta-analysis of 29 previous empirical studies that examined the effect of founder's human capital on new venture performance suggested that instrumental value theory holds promise as a guide for research on entrepreneurs' human capital and new venture performance. It could also help venture capitalists to make better investment decisions, benefiting society in general
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)715-732
Number of pages17
JournalJournal of Economic Issues
Volume43
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - 26 May 2009

Keywords

  • instrumental value theory
  • entrepreneurship
  • human capital

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