Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to identify the entrepreneurial management practices and strategies in use by independent (indie) record stores enduring or growing in the digital age using the framework of the six propositions of entrepreneurial management theory (Stevenson, 1983; Stevenson & Jarillo, 1990). This study focuses upon the employees' and storeowners' experiences and opinions to gain insight into how indie record stores are surviving or thriving in the digital age. Methodology. This study used qualitative interviews to explore the following question: To what degree are Stevenson's (1983) six propositions of entrepreneurial management theory evident in the business practices and strategies of independent record stores surviving in the digital age as described by storeowners and employees? Findings. The following themes emerged in response to the research question: Proposition 1 (pursues opportunities), buying used record collections, gaining new insight or new knowledge, improving store design or appearance, hosting in-store performances, incorporating trends, selling new merchandise, promoting or advertising, starting a record label, gaining exposure by participating at events, moving store location, using social media or Internet to store's advantage; Proposition 2 (employee attitudes), employees have enthusiasm or passion for music and strong knowledge, employees have strong customer service skills, employees suggest new merchandise or records to sell, employees take initiative; Proposition 3 (employees enabled to seek opportunities); Proposition 4 (no consequences of failure); Proposition 5 (employees exploit opportunities), utilizing customer service skills, sharing consumer or insider knowledge; Proposition 6 (networks and shares resources), member of CIMS or indies helping indies, free merchandise or special releases to sell, reasons for survival or competitive strategies, store is entrepreneurial. Conclusions. This study revealed that entrepreneurial management is evident in the business strategies and practices used by indie stores for survival. Several factors relating to Propositions 1, 2, 5, and 6 might be added to the framework to increase relevance to these stores. Recommendations. Entrepreneurial management may be a useful framework for these stores and similar businesses to self-evaluate survival strategies and practices or for training and coaching business owners. Additional research is needed to confirm study findings and clarify the role of entrepreneurial management in store survival versus failure.