Trust as a governance mechanism of the relationship between venture capitalists and managers of venture capital-backed firms in Morocco

Abstract

Numerous theoretical and empirical studies have investigated the phenomenon of venture capitalists’ involvement in new ventures. However, there has been a lack of attention to the VCs’ involvement in corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues with respect to Moroccan venture-backed firms. The purpose of the study was to examine the dynamic behaviour of venture capitalists (VCs) and the mediating role of trust in the entrepreneur/VC relationship using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach. From the exploratory factor analysis, VCs involvement was determined to have three dimensions (strategic involvement, managerial involvement, and CSR involvement). The findings exhibited a significant positive impact of interaction frequency, trust, and VC involvement on performance. The study also concluded that the interaction frequency affected trust negatively. While the study has corroborated previous research, it has several recommendations to decision-makers in the venture capital industry in order to strengthen cooperation between the entrepreneurs and VCs. Implications for theory, limitations, and avenues for future research are discussed.

Keywords:

• Venture capital
• trust
• entrepreneurial finance
• CSR
• resource-based view
• agency theory
• performance

JEL CLASSIFICATION CODES:

• G24
• G34
• L25
• O16
• L26

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Slimane Ed-Dafali

Dr. Slimane Ed-Dafali is an Assistant Professor at theNational School of Commerce and Management (ENCG), Chouaib DoukkaliUniversity, Morocco, where he conducts teaching and research activities. Hiscurrent research is focused on venture capital investments, entrepreneurship,SME financing and corporate governance. Also, he contributed to different research projects with various scholars and universities.

Brahim Bouzahir

Dr. Brahim Bouzahir is an Associate Professor of Finance and Entrepreneurshipat the National School of Commerce and Management, Chouaib DoukkaliUniversity, Morocco. His research interests include entrepreneurial finance,entrepreneurial networks, new-venture financing and venture capitaldecision-making.