The Effect of Entrepreneurs' Behavior on Start-ups: The Case of Turkey Technoparks

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the entrepreneurs by observing structural activities directly in their working environments. Methodology: Within the scope of the study, structured observation, which is a sociological method, was used to investigate the daily behaviors of 10 entrepreneurs in start-ups located in technoparks of Turkey. Findings: There are 4 main findings in the study. The first one: The work of the entrepreneurs is described as short-term and fragmented. The second finding is the entrepreneurs focus on analytical work, conceptual work and knowledge transfer; it has been found that entrepreneurs in Turkey spend most of their time on procedural works. The third finding is the international entrepreneurs mainly focus on three functions (human resources and employee relations, marketing, sales and public relations and management) while in Turkey entrepreneurs focus on the functions which are related to the control, financing and management, directly affect the product. Fourth and the final finding is entrepreneurs spend most of their work time on communicating with others. This situation relates with international entrepreneurs. Practical Implications: Turkish entrepreneurs should take care of other than product related activities. Activities such as marketing should be managed through centers established in technology regions and systems that will reduce procedural jobs should be developed by institutions. Originality: There are not many studies on the behavior of entrepreneurs in start-ups in Turkey. This study aims to give an idea about the behavior of entrepreneurs who are important for Turkey’s welfare. It is thought that entrepreneurs will make an important contribution in terms of not doing it but seeing the behaviors they should do.

Keywords

• Entrepreneurship
• Innovation
• Start-up
• Innovation ecosystem
• Turkey

Girişimci Davranışlarının Başlangıç Aşamasındaki Girişimlere Etkisi: Türkiye Teknoparkları Örneği

Abstract

Amaç: Bu çalışma ile girişimcileri, çalışma ortamlarında doğrudan gözlemleyerek, yaptıkları çalışmalar hakkında daha fazla bilgi edinilmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Yöntem: Çalışma kapsamında, Türkiye teknoparklarında başlangıç aşamasında bulunan girişimler üzerine çalışan 10 girişimcinin günlük davranışlarını araştırmak için bir sosyolojik yöntem olan yapılandırılmış gözlem kullanılmıştır. Bulgular: Çalışma kapsamında 4 ana bulgu mevcuttur. Birinci bulgu, girişimcilerin işleri kısa süreli ve parçalanmış işler olarak nitelendirilmiştir. İkinci bulgu, girişimcilerin, analitik çalışma, kavramsal çalışma ve bilgi transferine odaklandığı; Türkiye girişimcilerinin usule ilişkin işlere çok zaman harcadığı tespit edilmiştir. Üçüncü bulgu, yurtdışındaki girişimcilerin faaliyetlerini, temel olarak üç işleve (insan kaynakları; pazarlama; yönetim) odakladıkları görülürken, Türkiye’deki girişimciler bunların aksine ürünü tamamlama ve ürünü direk etkileyen; kontrol, finanse etme ve yönetim ile ilgili işlevlere odaklandıkları görülmüştür. Dördüncü bulgu, girişimciler, yurtdışındaki örneklerle benzer olarak çalışma zamanlarının çoğunu başkalarıyla iletişim kurmak için harcamaktadırlar. Sonuç ve Öneriler: Türk girişimciler üretim dışı faaliyetlere özen göstermelidir. Pazarlama gibi faaliyetler teknoloji bölgelerinde kurulan merkezler ile yönetilmeli ve usule ilişkin işleri azaltacak sistemler, kurumlar tarafından geliştirilmelidir. Özgün Değer: Türkiye’de başlangıç aşamasındaki girişimcilerin davranışı üzerine çok fazla çalışma bulunmamaktadır. Bu çalışma, Türkiye’nin refahı için önemli olan girişimcilerin davranışları hakkında fikir vermeyi hedeflemektedir. Girişimcilerin yapmadıkları ancak yapmaları gereken davranışları görmeleri adına önemli bir katkı sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir.

Keywords

• Girişimcilik
• Başlangıç aşaması
• İnovasyon
• İnovasyon Ekosistemi

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