Resolving the tensions between monitoring, resourcing and strategizing: Structures and processes in high technology venture boards

Joanne Jin Zhang, Charles Baden-Fuller, John K. Pool

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

45 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

There are key tensions between the two sides of a board's institutional role and function – of controlling and monitoringvs. that of resource gathering and strategizing. Drawing on a 38 month field study of eight new ventures in the UK hightechnology sector, we take a close look at the structural composition, knowledge base and behaviours of board directors in early stage hightechnologyventures. Our findings suggest that the early ventureboard, which typically consists of part-time members with diverse knowledge background, can be seen as an extension of the full time internal top management team. Together – as ‘collective entrepreneurs’ – they play a vital role in the venturing process, pointing to a collaborative model between inside senior executives and outside board directors that goes beyond the principal-agency model. We discuss the wider implications of our work for the field generally.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)95-117
Number of pages23
JournalLong Range Planning
Volume44
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011

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