Entrepreneurial Cognitions Research Articles

Cognitions affecting innovation among generation Z entrepreneurs: the external enablement of digital infrastructure

PurposeThe current research aimed to investigate the external enablement role of Digital Infrastructures (DI) in the interplay of entrepreneurial cognitions and innovation.Design/methodology/approachData from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) and Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) were used for analyses. This yielded a sample of 8,601 Generation Z entrepreneurs operating in 25 European countries.FindingsApplying hierarchical moderated regressions showed that socio-cognitive components of an entrepreneurial mindset (self-efficacy, risk propensity, opportunity identification) affect innovation among Generation Z entrepreneurs. More importantly, DI plays an external enablement role in the interplay of cognitions and innovation among Generation Z entrepreneurs.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the socio-cognitive theory of entrepreneurship by integrating an external enablement perspective into the study of cognitions and entrepreneurial outcomes (here, innovation). It contributes to the digital technology perspective of entrepreneurship by connecting the conversation about the socio-cognitive perspective of entrepreneurship regarding the role of cognitions in innovation to the conversation in information systems (IS) regarding technology affordances and constraints. This study extends the application of the external enabler framework to the post-entry stage of entrepreneurial activity and integrates a generational perspective into it.

Understanding the contents and development of nascent entrepreneurs’ belief systems

This study tracks the development of nascent entrepreneurs’ (NE) belief systems (mental models) from the time they were seriously planning entrepreneurship to having started their firms. It aims to reveal their typical entrepreneurship-related belief systems to understand the underlying logic of the contents and their change. Cognitive theory predicts belief systems which are first relatively simple and partly shared, but turn more complex and more divergent, thus facilitating the mental representation of their firms’ different environments. The study finds that the NEs share coherent and rather developed belief systems at the outset. They also become more complex after the transition from prospective to actual entrepreneurship, but unexpectedly more uniform, reflecting the NEs’ need to mentally control not only the external environment but also internal issues they share, such as fears and self-efficacy. This implies that entrepreneurs’ cognitive evolution involves developing the conventional “cold” mental grip of the external environment, but also understanding their affective, “hot” side. The development paths can vary, suggesting a corresponding theoretic model. Methodologically, cognitive/causal mapping and semi-structured interviewing provide an accessible approach to studying both aspects of entrepreneurial cognitions. Pragmatically, the findings suggest that small business support should pay more attention to prospective entrepreneurs’ qualms and beliefs, often hidden and biased.

How do institutional environment and entrepreneurial cognition drive female and male entrepreneurship from a configuration perspective?

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the gender differences in entrepreneurship driven by configurations of institutional environment and entrepreneurial cognition, and provide theoretical guidance and practical reference for promoting female and male entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approachBased on a configuration perspective, six antecedents of institutional environment and entrepreneurial cognition are integrated to explore multiple concurrent factors and causally complex relationships affecting female and male entrepreneurship.FindingsThis study indicates that the configurations of institutional environment and entrepreneurial cognition can achieve high female and male entrepreneurship. There are similarities and differences between female and male entrepreneurship from a configuration perspective. Perceived opportunity plays an important role in entrepreneurship for both women and men, and the absence of fear of failure is also important for male entrepreneurship. There is a complementary effect among entrepreneurial cognitions in the absence of institutional environment. In the configurations of institutional environment and entrepreneurial cognition, female entrepreneurship benefits more from informal institutions, whereas regulative and cognitive institutions play a greater role in male entrepreneurship.Practical implicationsPolicymakers and individuals should take a holistic and complex view of the impact of institutional environment and entrepreneurial cognition, and differentiated measures should be taken for female and male entrepreneurship.Originality/valueThis research responds to the call for multilevel transnational entrepreneurship research, enriches research on institutional environment and entrepreneurial cognition, deepens the application of fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to the field of entrepreneurship and strengthens the understanding of the similarities, differences and complexities of female and male entrepreneurship.

Student Entrepreneurial Intention Based on Proactive Personality, Self-Efficacy and Anticipatory Entrepreneurial Cognitions

This study aims to produce a Model Construction of Student Entrepreneurial Intentions Based on Proactive Personality, Self-Efficacy, and Anticipatory Entrepreneurial Cognitions. While the specific objective is to identify the factors that influence Student Entrepreneurial Intentions and generate Model Construction of Student Entrepreneurial Intentions Based on Proactive Personality, Self-Efficacy, and Anticipatory Entrepreneurial Cognitions. The population used in this study were students of the Faculty of Economics and Business from several of the best Islamic tertiary institutions in the city of Medan with the criteria that these universities have an Islamic vision and mission, and have a business incubator center or entrepreneurship center. The data analysis technique used in this research is descriptive analysis, both qualitative and quantitative. Data analysis with statistics used is Structural Equation Modeling with data processing using LISREL 8.80 software. The results of the study show that the Active Personality variable has a significant positive effect on Self-Efficacy. Active Personality Variable has a positive effect on Entrepreneurial Intentions significantly. Self-Efficacy Variable has a significant positive effect on Anticipatory entrepreneurial cognitions. The Self-Efficacy variable has a significant positive effect on Entrepreneurial Intentions. The anticipatory entrepreneurial cognitions variable has a significant positive effect on Entrepreneurial Intentions

Training, Work Ability and employees' performance: The mediating role of Organizational Commitment

This study aims to produce a Model Construction of Student Entrepreneurial Intentions Based on Proactive Personality, Self-Efficacy, and Anticipatory Entrepreneurial Cognitions. While the specific objective is to identify the factors that influence Student Entrepreneurial Intentions and generate Model Construction of Student Entrepreneurial Intentions Based on Proactive Personality, Self-Efficacy, and Anticipatory Entrepreneurial Cognitions. The population used in this study were students of the Faculty of Economics and Business from several of the best Islamic tertiary institutions in the city of Medan with the criteria that these universities have an Islamic vision and mission, and have a business incubator center or entrepreneurship center. The data analysis technique used in this research is descriptive analysis, both qualitative and quantitative. Data analysis with statistics used is Structural Equation Modeling with data processing using LISREL 8.80 software. The results of the study show that the Active Personality variable has a significant positive effect on Self-Efficacy. Active Personality Variable has a positive effect on Entrepreneurial Intentions significantly. Self-Efficacy Variable has a significant positive effect on Anticipatory entrepreneurial cognitions. The Self-Efficacy variable has a significant positive effect on Entrepreneurial Intentions. The anticipatory entrepreneurial cognitions variable has a significant positive effect on Entrepreneurial Intentions.

Paid work activity and entrepreneurial cognitions of students – evidence from European emerging economies

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate whether paid work activity (PWA) experience of students from five emerging economies is related to academic results and self-assessment of possessed entrepreneurial traits. Additionally, the authors verify the relationship between obtaining work experience and the willingness to start own business among students.Design/methodology/approachParticipants included 3,631 students of the first level of higher education at six universities in five countries (Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine). A survey questionnaire was used which included questions on the previous work experience, paid work during university studies, the assessment of competencies related to entrepreneurship and the assessment of the desirability of entrepreneurship as a career choice.FindingsFindings indicate that students who engaged in PWA before studies are more likely to do it during studies. PWA during studies is related to perceiving oneself as a worse-performing student, but also to the perception of oneself as an entrepreneurial person. No such relationship was found for the PWA experience before entering the university. It was also found that students are likely to start their businesses after obtaining work experience.Practical implicationsPractical implications pertain to the role of the contemporary academic institutions that should consider their approach to enabling students’ PWA and teaching them how to engage in it for the benefit of their own and the societies to which they belong. It is argued that it may be particularly essential in emerging economies.Originality/valueThe correlates of PWA of students have been underexplored. This paper allows broadening the current understanding of this phenomenon. The authors investigated its relationship with feeling entrepreneurial and academic achievements among young people from five emerging economies, which provides valuable insights for policymakers and educational institutions. It is argued that such insights may be particularly essential in emerging economies. Additionally, the authors contribute to advancing two theories that have not been extensively used in the entrepreneurial context: expectancy theory and social learning theory of career development.

What lies behind entrepreneurial intentions? Exploring nascent entrepreneurs’ early belief systems

PurposeStudies of entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) have become increasingly common, informed usually by Ajzen’s (1991) theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Although the TPB postulates that beliefs determine EIs, the contents of the beliefs have not been properly studied, leaving EIs’ cognitive underpinnings and cognitive approaches to influencing EIs unclear. To clarify the TPB/EI-belief nexus, the study examines the conceptual background of entrepreneurial cognitions and elicits the beliefs of a group of nascent micro entrepreneurs (NMEs) to compare them with their TPB attitudes and EIs, facilitating assessing their mutual consistency as implied by the TBP.Design/methodology/approachThe respondents are entrepreneurial novice clients of a micro business advisory organisation. Their TPB attitudes and EIs were measured using standard TPB/EI methods. Comparative causal mapping (CCM) combined with semi-structured interviewing was used to reveal the NMEs’ typical belief systems, presented as aggregated cause maps.FindingsThe NMEs have uniform, relatively detailed belief systems about entrepreneurship and micro business. The belief systems are consistent with theory- and context-based expectations and logically aligned with the NMEs’ expressed TPB attitudes and EIs. CCM provides an accessible method for studying contents of entrepreneurial cognitions.Research limitations/implicationsIt was not possible to study “entrepreneurship-negative” respondents or the intensity or origins of some specific beliefs.Practical implicationsDiagnosing and better understanding beliefs can benefit entrepreneurship education and development, in general or connected with TPB/EI studies.Originality/valueThe study reveals entrepreneurial belief systems systematically, evidently not done before generally or in terms of “everyday” micro entrepreneurship or TPB. It clarifies and supports the TPB notion that beliefs underpin actors’ attitudes and intentions.

The malleability of international entrepreneurial cognitions: a natural quasi-experimental study on voluntary and involuntary shocks

PurposeThe authors investigate the durability of international entrepreneurial cognitions. Specifically, they examine how advanced business education and the Covid-19 pandemic influence international entrepreneurial orientation disposition (IEOD), and subsequently entrepreneurial intentions (EIs), to better understand the psychological dynamics underpinning the drivers of international entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approachAgainst the backdrop of emerging entrepreneurial cognition and international entrepreneurial orientation research, the authors theorize that both a planned business education intervention (voluntary) and an unforeseeable radical environmental (involuntary) change constitute cognitive shocks impacting the disposition and intention to engage in entrepreneurial efforts. The authors use pre- and post-Covid-19 panel data (n = 233) and uniquely identify the idiosyncratic cognitive effects of Covid-19 through changes in the OCEAN personality assessment.FindingsFindings demonstrate that when individuals' perceived psychological impact of Covid-19 is low, business education increases IEOD. Conversely, the effects of a strongly perceived Covid-19 impact reduce the risk-taking and proactiveness components of the IEOD scale. The authors trace the same effects forward to EIs.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper contributes to a greater understanding of the resilience of entrepreneurial dispositions through an empirical test of the IEOD scale and shows its boundary conditions under planned intervention as well as unplanned externally induced shock.Practical implicationsThe study offers a first benchmark to practitioners of the malleability of international entrepreneurial dispositions and discusses the potential to encourage international entrepreneurial behaviour and the individual-level dispositional risk posed by exogenous shocks.Originality/valueThe study uniquely employs a baseline measure of all our constructs pre-Covid-19 to discern and isolate the pandemic impact on entrepreneurial dispositions and intentions, responding to recent calls for more experimental designs in entrepreneurship research.

Let the games begin: the relationship between video gaming and entrepreneurial mindsets

PurposeThis article addresses the need for further conceptual development of the factors that influence the development of the entrepreneurial mindset. It focuses on finding a link between the classic mental models of entrepreneurship and those that are employed during video game play to explore if similarities exist.Design/methodology/approachUsing theories of entrepreneurship and opportunity recognition, the study examines a sample of 217 video gamers.FindingsThe results of this study suggest that an individual who exhibits a high level of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) has an enhanced opportunity recognition capability when the intensity of playing video games is also high. Various genres of games were controlled for; however, it was found that shooting games have the highest effect on the emergence of opportunity recognition.Originality/valueThus, the study reveals that some game activities can be linked to entrepreneurial cognitions. This has implications for the entrepreneurial intent literature as it reveals certain actions can be linked with entrepreneurial information processing. These findings are useful for game designers and managers as well.

Institutional context and female entrepreneurship: A country-based comparison using fsQCA

Female entrepreneurship (FENT) has drawn substantial attention from scholars and policymakers, given its economic and social importance. Although studies have examined possible institutional conditions that affect FENT, most studies have considered the impact of institutions in isolation, neglecting their interdependence. Based on the institutional theory, this study proposes an integrative framework to explore the configurational effect of multiple institutions on FENT and growth expectation among female entrepreneurs (FEGE) using the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. Data analyses spanning 49 economies show that both high FENT and FEGE are generated by configuration of institutions. Specifically, there is one recipe for bringing about high FENT and three for high FEGE. Moreover, entrepreneurial cognitions play a decisive role in promoting FENT, while entrepreneurial culture is crucial in generating high FEGE. The findings provide beneficial policy implications for the allocation of resources to promote female entrepreneurial activities.

The relationship between entrepreneurial cognitions and sustainability orientation: the case of an emerging market

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the cognitive drivers that push entrepreneurs toward sustainable venture creation using entrepreneurial cognitive scripts. In particular, this study tests the relationship between entrepreneurial cognitive scripts and sustainability orientation among entrepreneurs in an emerging economy to understand whether entrepreneurial cognitive scripts act as a driver toward sustainability.Design/methodology/approachA primary research study was conducted using a structured questionnaire among 351 sample respondents, of which 54% labeled themselves as entrepreneurs and 46% labeled themselves as traditional business people, business students or non-entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurs represented more than ten different industries such as agriculture, food and beverage, education, technology and entertainment.FindingsThe findings of this study highlighted a negative relationship between entrepreneurial cognitions and sustainability orientation as hypothesized. Additionally, non-entrepreneurs were found to be more sustainability-oriented, whereas entrepreneurs with high levels of cognitive scripts were found less concerned about sustainability issues.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has a geographic limitation as it has been conducted in a developing country, which is Egypt. Accordingly, the results should be generalized with caution to other developing nations.Practical implicationsThis study shows the importance of sustainable entrepreneurship education as an important part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The study sheds the light on the different stakeholders that are responsible for raising awareness about the importance of sustainability in developing countries.Originality/valueThis study empirically validates the relationship between entrepreneurial cognitive scripts and sustainability orientation among several industries in a developing country. The study has also a novel contribution in validating that non-entrepreneurs can enjoy entrepreneurial cognitive scripts without the necessity of starting their ventures.

Entrepreneurial Cognitions and Decision-Making: A Study of Community Participants in The La-Nkwantang Muncipality, Ghana

Entrepreneurial Cognitions and Decision-Making: A Study of Community Participants in The La-Nkwantang Muncipality, Ghana

Gendered institutions and female entrepreneurship: a fuzzy-set QCA approach

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the contextual embeddedness of female entrepreneurship through a focus on gendered institutions. Specifically, it draws upon Scott’s (1995) institutional categories and explores how the three dimensions of gendered institutions combine to explain both a high level of female Total Early-stage Entrepreneurship Activity (TEA) rates and female/male TEA ratios.Design/methodology/approachCollecting data from the Global Entrepreneurship Research Association, the World Economic Forum and the World Bank for 63 countries, this study uses the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method to explore causal complexity between the regulative, normative and cognitive dimensions of gendered institutions (conditions) and the female TEA rates and the female/male TEA ratios (outcomes).FindingsFirst, this study confirms the complex interactions occurring among institutional components. Second, the results highlight the key role that gender equality in entrepreneurial cognitions plays in achieving high female entrepreneurship. Third, configurations for the high female TEA rates and the female/male TEA ratios share a high similarity.Practical implicationsThe study provides policymakers with a holistic viewpoint and alternate solutions with the aim of promoting female entrepreneurship in their respective countries.Originality/valueThe study highlights gendered institutions beyond general institutions, enriching the literature on the gender and institutional determinants of female entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the application of the fsQCA method in the study helps to enhance the understanding of how institutional components complexly interact to shape female entrepreneurship.

Perceptions about Decision Making in Entrepreneurship from the Perspective of Community Participants in Accra, Ghana

In this paper, we explored the experiences of twelve (12) community participants in the La Nkwantanang municipality (Accra) on when deciding for entrepreneurial activities. These participants were purposively selected from a previous study on entrepreneurial cognitions. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. The results of the study identified three major themes; perceptions attached to entrepreneurial activities; perceptions of past entrepreneurial experiences on decisions towards future venture creation; and potential challenges in decision-making for entrepreneurial businesses emerged from the narratives. Implications of the findings are discussed for theory and practice.

Cognitive adaptability and narrow personality traits: Proposing a person–entrepreneurship fit for established entrepreneurs in South Africa

Background: The person–entrepreneurship fit has been confirmed for new ventures, but has not been determined for established entrepreneurs. Personality traits and entrepreneurial cognitions are seen as important factors that lead to long-term performance, which is needed for established entrepreneurs to survive. Objectives: A model is proposed which suggests that a closer association between certain narrow personality traits and the cognitive adaptability dimensions indicates a closer person–entrepreneurship fit. Method: A quantitative approach was followed whereby 2650 established entrepreneurs in South Africa were surveyed, and a multiple regression analysis was conducted. Results: Most studies on personality are conducted using the five-factor model of personality traits, and not necessarily the narrow traits. In this regard, new narrow traits emerged within the five main personality traits. The findings increase the understanding of the cognitive adaptability, and how it relates to these discrete narrow personality traits. Conclusion: The findings of this study may inform the policymakers who are trying to encourage entrepreneurial activity, and the transition of nascent entrepreneurs to established entrepreneurs in the context of developing as well as developed markets. Educators could incorporate the cognitive adaptability dimensions in entrepreneurial training and support programmes, which could encourage nascent and start-up entrepreneurs to become established entrepreneurs.

Identifying women’s entrepreneurial barriers and empowering female entrepreneurship worldwide: a fuzzy-set QCA approach

Barriers faced by women entrepreneurs have always been a hot topic in women’s entrepreneurship research. However, existing studies have often adopted either explanatory/descriptive approaches or conventional quantitative methods, thereby limiting our understanding of gender specificity and complexity in terms of women’s entrepreneurial barriers. The present work begins with the adoption of a post-structural feminist perspective to examine women’s entrepreneurial barriers, and it identifies four gender inequality barriers, namely motherhood, entrepreneurial cognitions, norms, and finance. Using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), this study first investigates how the four barriers combine to explain the low level of female entrepreneurship across 28 countries and thus confirm, rather than exaggerating, the real barriers faced by women entrepreneurs. We further take advantage of the asymmetric thinking of fsQCA to explore the causal recipes for achieving a high female entrepreneurial rate. On the one hand, the findings indicate that poor female entrepreneurial cognitions together with a high initial funding requirement constitute women’s entrepreneurial barriers, leading to the low level of female entrepreneurship. On the other hand, the findings provide four causal paths, including not only favorable but also unfavorable conditions, to achieving a high level of female entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the findings also emphasize a low initial funding requirement as a critical incentive for an increase in female entrepreneurship. These findings provide a series of implications at the academic level, as well as the policy level.

Further exploring international entrepreneurial cognitions: The case of the Middle-East

Scholars argue that at least some entrepreneurial cognition is global; but there is little evidence to test this claim in the Middle East. For this region, composed of several countries with distinct socioeconomic contexts, even baseline descriptions are rare. Indeed, some have used the case of Middle East to challenge the global nature of entrepreneurial cognitions among individual entrepreneurs. Using data from 577 entrepreneurs and professionals in Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, four of the largest countries in the region, we study the extent to which entrepreneurial cognitions occur and explain an entrepreneurial mindset in this context.

Cross-country differences in innovative entrepreneurial activity

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to clarify the relationship between entrepreneurial cognition and innovative entrepreneurial activity (IEA) across countries using an institutional perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe paper tests theoretical model using data collected by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, the Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness study and the Index of Economic Freedom (IEF). A multi-level analysis is performed based on set of 1,004,620 observations from 49 countries spanning 13 years (2001–2013).FindingsThe results suggest that in terms of formal regulations; the relationship between entrepreneurial cognitions and IEA becomes stronger when there is an increase in intellectual property right and business freedom regulations in a country. On the other hand, in terms of informal institutions the relationship between entrepreneurial cognitions and IEA becomes stronger when the level of institutional collectivism and uncertainty decreases and performance orientation increases.Originality/valueThe study indicates that entrepreneurship by innovation increases when the individuals possess high level of entrepreneurial cognition under suitable institutional conditions (e.g. intellectual property right, business freedom, institutional collectivism, uncertainty avoidance and performance orientation).

FOSTERING ACADEMIC ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF INVENTION COMMERCIALIZATION IN VIETNAM

Previous studies have been silent on how institutional factors influence scientists’ entrepreneurial cognitions and behavior. Transition economies offer a unique opportunity for addressing this issue since different generations of scientists experienced vastly different ideology and management systems. Built on the entrepreneurial cognitions and contextualization views and interview data from scientists in Vietnam, this study found that scientists internalized institutional factors to form their motivations, partnership approaches, and behavioral competencies, which in turn influence their chosen modes of entrepreneurship. This suggests that new institutions which address younger generations and focus on developing entrepreneurial qualities are pertinent to promote commercialization in transition economies.

Personal agency in newly arrived refugees: The role of personality, entrepreneurial cognitions and intentions, and career adaptability

In light of recent developments in the world of work towards increased uncertainty, a rapid pace of change and new possibilities for intentional self-development, subsequent research has strongly emphasized the role of personal agency (e.g., self-initiative, entrepreneurship, and adaptability capacities) in taking advantage of this environment. Here, we adopt this view of personal agency to study early integration processes of refugees facing personal situations that involve examples of extreme uncertainty combined with new opportunities. Specifically, we examine the relationship between personality factors, entrepreneurial alertness and intentions, and career adaptability in a sample of N = 267 refugees (M = 27.56 years, 78.1% male), mostly from Syria, newly arrived in Germany after their flight. Employing structural equation modeling, the data revealed that entrepreneurial alertness is a crucial proximal predictor of entrepreneurial intentions and career adaptability in newly arrived refugees. In addition, the personality factors self-efficacy and resilience were relevant background factors: they predicted entrepreneurial alertness, which in turn mediated the direct link between these background factors and career adaptability. The results underscore the relevance of an agentic perspective in the study of refugees by highlighting the importance of entrepreneurial cognitions and underlying personality factors for the early integration process.