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Measuring the Benefits of Entrepreneurship at Different Levels of Analysis
Belinda Luke
School of Accountancy, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane QLD
Martie-Louise Verreynne
UQ Business School, University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD
Kate Kearins
Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
Abstract
This paper presents a suggested framework for future research designs to examine the benefits of entrepreneurship, both non-financial and financial.
Based on a review of the literature and using contextual exemplars throughout the paper with an Australia and New Zealand focus, we identify a range of benefits from entrepreneurship at the various levels of analysis (eg individual, organizational, national).
From a non-financial perspective such benefits include independence, autonomy, competitive advantage, increased market share, employment and increased standards of living. From a financial perspective, entrepreneurship's benefits include enhanced remuneration or rent from revenue, profits, cash flow, return on investment and increases in GDP - specific financial measures to be expressed in clear financial terms.
The suggested framework represents both an initial step towards the measurement of entrepreneurship's financial benefits and a valuable starting point for the development of a theory of the non-financial and financial benefits of entrepreneurship.
Keywords
entrepreneurship, non-financial and financial benefits, Australia, New Zealand
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