Small Firm Growth: The Unfolding of a Trigger Point

Abstract

This study combines the concept of trigger points, events preceding bursts of growth, with a linguistic approach to show how firm growth unfolds through a process of translation. By marrying theories and methods rooted in the linguistic turn with firm growth theories, this study brings new insights on growth contributing to both the advancement of the trigger point concept and the wider understanding of entrepreneurial activities as complex and contextually bound processes dependent on human interaction. In doing so, the study also adheres to the current demand for advancing firm growth theory by relaxing the outcome-focussed approach and static life-cycle paradigm, and complementing it with alternative theoretical and methodological perspectives.

Trigger points and high growth firms: the vital role of founder “sensing” and “seizing” capabilities

“…While trigger points may serve as a vehicle towards growth, they can also engender organisational destabilisation and ultimate decline. Building on the dynamic states model outlined above (Tunberg and Gaddefors, 2022), the trigger point concept suggests that growth triggers can move a firm between different dynamic states, thereby propelling stronger growth and increased scale (Brown and Mawson, 2013). Under this viewpoint, growth processes of firms are viewed as discontinuous, nonlinear and are “contingent on an interplay of various internal and external forces” (Sternad and Mödritscher, 2022, p. 952).…”

“…Indeed, to date, studies have generally ignored the coevolution of organisational leadership, resources, processes and values deployed to achieve rapid growth (Koryak et al, 2015;Kirkley, 2016). Furthermore, how entrepreneurs recognise, capitalise upon, and manage important key "growth triggers" has also been overlooked (Brown and Mawson, 2013;Tunberg and Gaddefors, 2022). The core aim of this paper is to redress these omissions.…”

“…In recent years, an emerging conceptual device utilised to help formulate insights into the growth process is “trigger points” (Coad et al ., 2022a; Sternad and Mödritscher, 2022; Tunberg and Gaddefors, 2022). Similar in nature to the concept of “critical junctures” these are interstices between the different phases of development that ventures face in order to progress to the next developmental phase (Vohora et al ., 2004).…”

“…Dis-equilibrium and discontinuity are often at the heart of these important growth interludes. Therefore, following others (Coad et al ., 2022a; Sternad and Mödritscher, 2022; Tunberg and Gaddefors, 2022), this paper wishes to analytically explore the concept of growth “trigger points” to help theorise about the discontinuous nature and evolutionary growth patterns of HGFs (Brown and Mawson, 2013).…”

“…, 2015; Kirkley, 2016). Furthermore, how entrepreneurs recognise, capitalise upon, and manage important key “growth triggers” has also been overlooked (Brown and Mawson, 2013; Tunberg and Gaddefors, 2022). The core aim of this paper is to redress these omissions.…”