Salutogenic approach of corporate entrepreneurship : which organisational learnings ?

Doctoral thesis in management sciences defended on June 22, 2020 at 2:00 p.m., in a vision conference.

Abstract:
Corporate entrepreneurship (CE) is an entrepreneurial process that involves one or more individuals – corporate entrepreneurs – working with or within an existing organisation, with the aim of generating inner renewal or innovation. Few studies deal with the impacts of CE processes at the individual level. In order to improve organisational performance, we asked the following question : What are the impacts of a CE experience, conducted within large French firms (Insee, 2019), on the dimensions of corporate entrepreneurs’ occupational well- being (Biétry et Creusier, 2013)? To answer
this research question, we have conducted qualitative research and its methods. We interviewed 70 corporate entrepreneurs and analysed 15 CE devices into 12 large French firms. The results show that corporate entrepreneurs’ occupational well-being is impacted differently depending on the context in
which they are involved, but also according to two moderating factors, which are (1) the management of CE devices and (2) the intrinsic characteristics of corporate entrepreneurs. Then, this research work has also highlighted (3) the difficulty for internal corporate entrepreneurs to reintegrate the organisation after this experience. The management of the exit from CE processes is a major challenge for the organisation. The psychological approach of this thesis work allows us to answer to the research question, and opens research perspectives in management and, especially in human resources
management.

Key words: Corporate entrepreneurship, Occupational well-being, Corporate entrepreneur, Employeedriven- innovation, Open innovation.

Jury's composition: