Transmission of Risk-Averse Behavior in Small Firms

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Dennis P. Leyden, Associate Professor (Creator)
Albert N. Link, Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Small-sized firms are typically more entrepreneurial and engage in more innovation and risk-taking behavior. For that reason they are considered the engines of future economic growth. One policy for stimulating such activity is to provide government contracts for small firms. However, such contracts as typically written result in increased risk-averse behavior on the part of small firms out of a desire by government officials to shift the risk to the firms. This, in turn results in a reduced level of innovative and entrepreneurial activity. To eliminate the disincentive to engage in innovation and entrepreneurial activity, government needs to bear the risk associated with such contracts. One possible solution, given the natural risk aversion of elected officials, is to engage in a portfolio approach to small firm contracts by which the government can diversify away some of the risk.

Additional Information

Publication
Small Business Economics, 2004, 23(3): 255-9.
Language: English
Date: 2004
Keywords
Small businesses, Risk taking, Government contracts, Risk averse behavior

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