Digital Entrepreneurship and growth-oriented performance: commercialisation narrative of SMEs in the ICT sector in China

ABSTRACT

This article addresses the dynamics of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) during the commercialization process in high-tech sectors, particularly in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) field. Except for early-stage entrepreneurial activities in technology firms, SMEs in the commercialization stage have received limited attention. Employing the Construal-Level Theory (CLT) and a concrete-abstract dimensional narrative approach, the study explores the relationship between narrative construal levels and SMEs’ success in Chinese cities. Encompassing ICT firms with 6 to 1000 employees, the study utilizes a Multilevel Mixed Method approach. Findings reveal that concrete narratives play a moderating role in the relationship between specific business technology and firm performance, emphasizing the importance of aligning a firm's business with its target audience during commercialization. However, the competition level (ICT firms’ population) in the city reduces the firm’s success. The study extends our understanding of entrepreneurial activity in the ICT sector, CLT, and potential policy guidelines.

KEYWORDS:

• Information & Communication Technology
• Entrepreneurial firms
• Sustainable performance
• Balanced Entrepreneurship
• Technology Scope
• Business Narratives
• Producer-Audience convergence
• Construal Level Theory

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Tariq H. Malik

Tariq H. Malik is a professor of Management (Entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology policy at Liaoning University, China. He received his PhD in Management and Organisation, with focus on institutional theory in the University of London, and has since then been actively engaged in interdisciplinary research, developing innovative frameworks. In interdisciplinary research, he often links construal levels to managers, organisations and nations. Tariq serves on the editorial boards of four leading journals in international business, and he has been recognised as an outstanding reviewer with awards from Research Policy and the best reviewer award from Academy of International Business and Academy of Management in the Entrepreneurship Division. In addition to his academic activities, Tariq is the founding director of ICOIS (International Centre for Organisation & Innovation Studies), a network of leading scholars to promote interdisciplinary research in management and innovation studies. Likewise, is also a founding member for life of WINIR (World Interdisciplinary Network of Institutional Researchers), a global network of scholars engaged in interdisciplinary institutional research. Tariq's contributions to the field of management have been recognized through various awards and honours from the Liaoning province and central government in China, including the most favourite teacher in China award and the regional socio-economic contribution award. His research has been published in leading academic journals, and he is recognised for his roles in institutional building.