Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal 2023

Developing theoretical insights in entrepreneurship research

Shaker A. Zahra^1,2; Yong Li³; Rajshree Agarwal⁴; Jay B. Barney⁵; Gary Dushnitsky⁶; Melissa E. Graebner⁷; Peter G. Klein⁸; Saras D. Sarasvathy⁹

¹ University of Minnesota · ² University of Minnesota System · ³ University of Nevada, Las Vegas · ⁴ University of Maryland, College Park · ⁵ University of Utah · ⁶ London Business School · ⁷ University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · ⁸ Baylor University · ⁹ University of Virginia

Abstract

Research Summary As the study of entrepreneurship advances, our appreciation for the role of theory in the development of the field has grown. In this paper, we build on our collective experiences to offer a peek into the inner workings of entrepreneurship theorizing, using specific examples to highlight ways of developing theoretical insights for advancing entrepreneurship research. Our journeys suggest an iterative process centered on asking an important and interesting question, challenging prevailing assumptions, understanding context and phenomenon, and developing conceptual models and analyses. We focus on the uniqueness of entrepreneurial phenomena, contexts, and actors as well as the interdisciplinary nature of the field. Managerial Summary Entrepreneurship as a scholarly field has reached a stage of maturity where we need to think more carefully about our contribution to theory. Theory enriches managerial parctice. We offer helpful and actionable suggestions to develop and share rich theoerical insights that inform schaolrship and practice.

DOI

10.1002/sej.1486

Sources

openalex

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APA 7 MLA 9 Chicago (author–date) Harvard Elsevier Harvard (JFE, JBF…) The Accounting Review Academy of Management American Marketing Association INFORMS (Management Science) Copy citation Copied ✓