Culture and Its Consequences for Entrepreneurship

Abstract

X he influence of culture on entrepreneurs hip has been of continued scholarly interest for over three decades. Researchers have explored the effect of national, regional, and organizational cultures on wealth creation through new venture creation, innovation, and risk taking. Using data from multiple countries and applying diverse research methods, organizational scholars have explored the relationship between cultural variables and entrepreneurial behavior and outcomes. As empirical findings corroborate some patterns and significant relationships, it is essential to review past studies and identify new avenues to be explored in future research. While considerable progress has been made, we believe that substantial components and manifestations of culture and its contingent influence on entrepreneurial outcomes are yet unexplored, providing new opportunities for scholarly inquiry. This special issue focuses on the relationship between culture and entrepreneurship. It adopts a broad definition of both culture and entrepreneurship. Culture is used to refer to the enduring set of values of a nation, a region, or an organization. Entrepreneurship is defined as the act and process by which societies, regions, organizations, or individuals identify and pursue business opportunities to create wealth. The objectives of this special issue include: (a) synthesizing what we know about the relationship between culture and entrepreneurship; (b) identifying areas and research questions that deserve attention in future research; and (c) highlighting theoretical and methodological innovations necessary to improve research in this area. Culture is an important and complex construct. Likewise, entrepreneurship captures a wide spectrum of activities and is multifaceted. We believe that greater progress could be made in future research if methodological and theoretical innovations are introduced. As you read the papers included in this issue, we hope that you will agree that we have assembled a number of interesting articles. We have worked hard to ensure the diversity and breadth of the contributions represented in this special issue. First, we organized a symposium on the topic in the Academy of Management meetings where authors of some of the papers presented their original ideas. Also, we contacted other authors, from the U.S. and elsewhere, to encourage them to submit their work for consideration and possible inclusion in this special issue. Submitted manuscripts underwent a double-blind review process with two rounds of reviews. We are pleased that the review process identified studies that have a clear message and promise to shape future scholarship in this growing area of research.