Introduction to Stage 8 – Independence
A business at this stage should now have the advantages of size, financial resources, market share and managerial talent. Innovation and Intrapreneurship (Baran & Veličkaitė, 2008) are now key factors in keeping the business in market position. The organisation has the staff and financial resources to engage in detailed operational and strategic planning. The management is decentralised, adequately staffed, and experienced. Business systems are extensive and well developed. The entrepreneur and the business are quite separate, both financially and operationally. However, the entrepreneur should have the mental ability to coordinate multiple activities for the business to either maintain or grow.
Independence Stage Compendium
The Independence Stage of a business life cycle represents a period of established stability and self-sustaining operations. This phase is often characterized by a noticeable separation between the entrepreneur and the business entity, both financially and operationally. A company in this stage has typically matured to a point where it holds a significant market share, possesses substantial financial resources, and has a well-rounded and experienced managerial team in place. These elements provide the business with a foundation to operate independently of the entrepreneur’s day-to-day involvement.
One of the primary features of this stage is the emphasis on innovation and intrapreneurship, as suggested by Baran & Veličkaitė (2008). At this juncture, the organization has the necessary resources and talent to not only sustain its current market position but also explore new avenues for growth and competitiveness. Intrapreneurship, which entails fostering an entrepreneurial spirit within the organization, becomes a critical factor. It drives innovation by encouraging employees to develop and pitch new ideas, which can lead to the development of new products, services, or processes that can provide a competitive edge in the market.
Operational and strategic planning take a more structured and detailed form in this stage, facilitated by the availability of substantial financial resources and a competent staff. These plans aim to maintain the business’s market position and lay down the roadmap for future growth and expansion. The decentralization of management is another hallmark of this stage, allowing for more distributed decision-making and promoting a more hierarchical organizational structure. This decentralization often leads to more efficient operations as decisions are made closer to the operational level, where managers have a better understanding of the day-to-day challenges and opportunities.
The well-developed business systems in place at this stage contribute to the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness in managing its operations. These systems support the management in coordinating multiple activities essential for maintaining or growing the business.
The entrepreneur, at this point, should possess the mental acuity to coordinate various business activities, even though their involvement might be at a more strategic or oversight level rather than daily operations. The separation between the entrepreneur and the business underscores the evolution from a possibly entrepreneur-driven entity to an organization with a life of its own.
The transition to the Independence Stage is a testament to the business’s resilience and adaptability through the previous stages of its life cycle. It signifies a mature business capable of weathering market changes while seeking opportunities for continuous growth and innovation. This stage, therefore, is crucial for consolidating gains and positioning the business for long-term success in a competitive marketplace.
Entrepreneur Tips
For this stage I can offer the following advice.
- Enhance Decentralization: At this stage, it’s essential to delegate decision-making to experienced managers. This decentralization can lead to more efficient operations as decisions are made closer to the operational level. Make sure to hire competent managers and establish clear communication channels to stay informed.
- Foster Innovation and Intrapreneurship: Encourage an entrepreneurial culture within your organization to foster innovation. Providing opportunities for employees to engage in creative problem-solving and to propose new ideas can lead to the development of innovative products or processes.
- Invest in Robust Business Systems: Establishing well-developed business systems can ensure smooth operations and better coordination across various departments. Invest in technology that can automate routine processes, improve data management, and support strategic decision-making.
- Engage in Strategic Planning: Utilize your financial resources and managerial talent to engage in thorough operational and strategic planning. Look ahead to the long-term future of your business, identifying potential opportunities and threats in the market, and planning how to navigate them.
- Maintain Financial Discipline: Even with substantial financial resources, it’s crucial to maintain financial discipline to ensure the sustainability of the business. Continue to monitor your financial performance, manage your cash flow effectively, and make investment decisions that align with your long-term business strategy.
Further Reading
View the original paper here, and the blogs in this series:
9 Stages of Enterprise Creation: Stage 1 – Discovery
9 Stages of Enterprise Creation: Stage 2 – Modeling
9 Stages of Enterprise Creation: Stage 3 – Startup
9 Stages of Enterprise Creation: Stage 4 – Existence
9 Stages of Enterprise Creation: Stage 5 – Survival
9 Stages of Enterprise Creation: Stage 6 – Discovery
9 Stages of Enterprise Creation: Stage 7 – Adaptation
9 Stages of Enterprise Creation: Stage 8 – Independence
9 Stages of Enterprise Creation: Stage 9 – Exit
4 thoughts on “9 Stages of Enterprise Creation: Stage 8 – Independence”
Comments are closed.