Title

Corporate entrepreneurship in Switzerland: evidence from a case study of Swiss watch manufacturers

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which Swiss companies engage in corporate entrepreneurship. To that end, a case study was undertaken to better understand how corporate entrepreneurship is practiced in the watch-making industry. Using a stratified sampling method, 18 corporate-level managers of Swiss watch manufacturers were interviewed over a 5-month period to determine their perception of their firm’s entrepreneurial orientation in terms of proactiveness, risk taking, innovativeness, competitive aggressiveness, and autonomy. Findings were mixed. As anticipated, given the conservative nature of Swiss culture and tradition, the executives reflected corporate values that inhibit proactiveness, risk-taking, and competitive aggressiveness. On the positive side, these executives espoused values that support a corporate culture of innovativeness and autonomy reflecting a resurgence of innovativeness in an otherwise mature industry.

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-011-0179-y

Keywords

corporate entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial orientation, qualitative research, case study, Swiss watch industry

Publication Date

2011

Journal Title

International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal

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