Conceptualising the entrepreneurial process using Chinese classics: a paradoxical perspective

Abstract

This paper aims to build a conceptualisation of the entrepreneurial process from major Chinese classical works of thinking, a non-traditional source of management thought. In particular, it argues that a paradoxical perspective of the entrepreneurial process is an appropriate conceptualisation. It follows the perspective that there is a high component of nation-specific or culture-specific contexts in entrepreneurship. This paper covers the concept of paradox in management theory before establishing a link between paradox and the understanding of entrepreneurial phenomena in that a theory of paradoxical logic is an especially appropriate one to analyse the phenomena of creativity and innovation. Applied to two mini-case studies of Chinese entrepreneurs, it is also suggested that reconciling paradoxes is a dynamic capability that allows entrepreneurs to differentiate themselves and when used appropriately, can facilitate innovation and growth of new ventures.