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Searching for the Legitimacy Threshold

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond

Paul F. Buller

Gonzaga University, Spokane

In this article, the authors lay the groundwork for a concept known as the legitimacy threshold. The legitimacy threshold is defined as the point at which, from the entrepreneur's perception, the organization moves from an untenable collection of resources to a potentially sustainable enterprise. Entrepreneurs generally describe it as a "made it" feeling. The authors' focus was twofold: (a) to develop a theory base for such a concept and (b) to conduct multiple case studies to verify such a theory base. They make a case for the existence of thresholds and then more fully define the legitimacy threshold before providing support for universal components of the construct. They conclude by presenting 11 case studies that lend support to the idea of a universal legitimacy threshold.

Key Words: legitimacy • new firm • exploratory • change

Journal of Management Inquiry, Vol. 16, No. 1, 78-92 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1056492606297546


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				M. Washington Editor's Introduction Journal of Management Inquiry, September 1, 2007; 16(3): 274 - 274. [PDF]