Week 2 Reading Reflection

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 

I was surprised to read that the highest ever percentage of American people that started a business per month, which happened in 2010, was only 0.34%. I would have imagined that number to have had a peak of much closer to 1%.

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

I didn't get a good sense of the definition of a "large organization". It is placed in quotes in the textbook so potentially there is no formal definition being used in the material.

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

I would ask the author the following questions. 1) What percentage of gazelles are considered large organizations prior to their status as a gazelle? I would ask this because I'd like to know how often small business grow into large organizations prior to becoming a gazelle. I imagine the percentage is low. 2) Aside from high tech, what industries have been more conducive to gazelle creation over the past five years? I'd like to know this to target potential industries that may not make the list, that are also primed for some type of transformation.

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

I do not disagree with any of the viewpoints presented in the chapter.