Entrepreneurship Theory Research Articles

Factors restraining youth involvement in fish farming business: Case study of Kamuthanga Village, Kenya

Fish farming serves as one of the important strategies for reducing unemployment and improving the standard of living for many households. However, in many African countries, including Kenya, a large number of young people tend to pursue administrative and white-collar jobs, resulting in a noticeable lack of youth participation in the fish farming sector. This trend underscores the challenge of attracting youth to agricultural enterprises like fish farming, despite its promising opportunities. This study explored the factors limiting youth participation in the fish farming business, targeting some individuals aged 18-35 in Kamuthanga village. The research follows a qualitative case study approach, with twenty-six (26) individuals interviewed. The study is grounded in the anthropological entrepreneurship theory, utilizing triangulation to ensure a holistic understanding. In-depth interviews and key informant interviews were employed to capture perceptions regarding barriers to youth involvement. The data was gathered through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews and analyzed using Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) Miner Lite software. Data organization, coding, and theme development were conducted systematically to align with the study’s objectives. The findings revealed several challenges hindering youth involvement in fish farming, including the semi-arid conditions of Kamuthanga village, which lead to water scarcity; limited access to capital; insufficient technical knowledge; inadequate support structures; and some cultural barriers. These findings shed light on the critical factors that must be addressed to foster greater youth involvement in fish farming and ultimately unlock its potential for economic development and unemployment reduction in Kamuthanga village.

Igniting the Flames of Entrepreneurial Intentions: Unravelling the Dynamics of Perceived Business Feasibility, Self-perceived Altruism, Innovativeness and Uncertainty Among University Students

The study seeks to elucidate the enablers shaping students’ entrepreneurial intentions across India’s top five central universities. The study evaluated the entrepreneurial intentions of 730 university students utilizing structural equation modelling and augmenting the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), the entrepreneurial event model (EEM) and the social entrepreneurship theory (SET). Mediation and moderation techniques facilitated the examination of the direct and indirect linkages in the model. The findings reveal that perceived behavioural control (PBC), entrepreneurial attitude, subjective norms and self-perceived altruism magnify perceived business feasibility (PBF), significantly escalating students’ entrepreneurial intentions. PBC and PBF partially mediate the relationship among the underlying constructs. In addition, perceived innovativeness reinforces the association, while perceived uncertainty weakens the association between PBF and students’ entrepreneurial intentions. The study’s findings could help policymakers, social entrepreneurs, educational institutions, impact investors and global development agencies strengthen India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Self-perceived altruism and PBF have not received adequate attention in entrepreneurship. We attempt to embrace these constructs and crucial personality traits by extending the horizons of TPB, EEM and SET using a precise conceptual model.

Entrepreneurial Skills and Performance of Women’s Small Enterprises in Turkana County, Kenya

Performance enterprise is important determinant for survival and meeting stakeholders’ interests. However, a performance enterprise has been a concern as many small enterprises report dismal performances. Entrepreneurial dimensions are reported to leverage competitiveness, survival and growth of enterprises. Thus, study attempted to examine influence of entrepreneurial skills on performance of women owned small enterprises in Turkana County, Kenya. The study was guided by three specific objectives: evaluate the influence networking skills on performance of women’s small enterprises, to determine influence of communication skills on performance of women’s small enterprises and to investigate the influence of innovation skills on performance of women’s small enterprises in Turkana County, Kenya. The study was anchored on the Opportunity Based Entrepreneurship Theory, stakeholders’ theory and resource based firm theory. The study employed descriptive research design consisting of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population was 1235 respondents, comprising of the management/owners of the women enterprises in Turkana County, Kenya. The sample size was 302 respondents obtained using the simple random techniques. The study utilized questionnaires to collect data. A pilot test was conducted to ensure data validity and reliability of the research instrument. The study employed both descriptive and inferential statistics with aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29 software. Descriptive statistics such as mean, frequencies and standard deviations assisted in summarizing sample characteristics, while inferential statistics regression, correlations and ANOVA to establish relationships. The findings of the study created insights among the operators influence of entrepreneurial skills on performance of women’s small enterprises in Turkana County, Kenya. Secondly, contribute to policy makers’ influence of contributing entrepreneurial skills on performance of women’s small enterprises. Lastly, to results contributed to academic discourse on entrepreneurial skills on performance of firms. Networking skills explained 43.2% of performance of women’s small enterprises in Turkana County, Kenya, communication skills 61.0%, and innovation skills 38.2% of performance of women’s small enterprises in Turkana County, Kenya. The study recommended for further research work to be conducted to review the influence of other variables on performance of women’s small enterprises in other counties in Kenya. Keywords: Strategy implementation, Strategy Evaluation, Accessibility of NGO’s to Donor Funding

Dynamics of Perceptions among Self-Employed Business Owners on Tax Collection Models in Tanzania.

Tax compliance issues among self-employed business owners in Tanzania arise from complex and inequitable tax models, exacerbated by inconsistent enforcement and poor policy communication. This study investigates the dynamics of tax collection models in Tanzania, focusing on the perceptions of self-employed business owners across key regions, including Tanga, Dodoma, Arusha, and Mbeya. Drawing on findings from the TAPACO research project, the research employs a mixed-methods approach grounded in pragmatism a philosophy that emphasizes practical solutions. The sample size consists of 150 participants, with data gathered through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews representing various sectors within these regions. Entrepreneurial theories such as the Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) Theory, Resource-Based View (RBV), and Theory of Entrepreneurial Alertness are utilized to frame the analysis of how self-employed business owners perceive tax estimates, bylaws, policies, the regulatory framework, and the tax collection environment. EO Theory explores how entrepreneurs’ risk-taking behaviors and reactivity to changes in the tax environment influence compliance decisions, The RBV examines how entrepreneurs strategically utilize their resources, particularly in making decisions about tax payments and investments in compliance technologies like Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs). The findings indicate that self-employed business owners in Tanzania face significant challenges with tax compliance, driven by inaccuracies in tax assessments, corruption within tax enforcement agencies, and a lack of training and infrastructure for adopting Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs). These factors, combined with poor communication of tax policies and regulations, have resulted in widespread non-compliance. The study concludes that effective tax compliance strategies must consider the entrepreneurial behaviors influenced by resource availability, risk tolerance, and alertness to regulatory changes. The study recommends strengthening anti-corruption frameworks within tax enforcement agencies, including regular audits, ethical training for task force members, and protections for whistleblowers. Transparency in tax collection operations is essential for rebuilding trust and encouraging voluntary compliance.

Does the underdog theory of entrepreneurship apply to refugees? Scrutinizing the determinants of entrepreneurial intentions of refugees in Portugal

Does the underdog theory of entrepreneurship apply to refugees? Scrutinizing the determinants of entrepreneurial intentions of refugees in Portugal

Institutional Framework and Innovative Entrepreneurship: An Analysis of their Impact on Business Development in Colombia

This research delved into the analysis of the role of institutional entrepreneurship within the Colombian business context, focusing on the process of divergent change promoted by entrepreneurs. Following the theory of institutional entrepreneurship, it examined how entrepreneurs operating in non-privileged positions within highly regulated industries challenge established conventions by developing new ventures. The study was underpinned by qualitative research of a descriptive nature, implementing a design based on a review of existing literature. The results of this analysis revealed that the integration of traditional entrepreneurial skills with supplementary and complementary competencies, oriented towards new institutional logics, can constitute an effective strategy for entrepreneurial development in Colombia. Consequently, it is concluded that institutional entrepreneurship exerts a significant influence on entrepreneurial change within Colombia. This finding provides valuable insights for future research and for the design of policies to promote innovation and entrepreneurial development in the country.

Critical analysis of Rwanda’s Digital skills and entrepreneurship training toward solving youth unemployment

This study critically examines the role of digital skills and entrepreneurship training in addressing the persistent issue of youth unemployment in Rwanda. The paper primarily anchors on the Human Capital Theory and Entrepreneurship Theory to provide a solid theoretical framework, tying together education, skill development, and entrepreneurial activity as vital drivers of productivity, job creation, and economic development. By employing a qualitative methods approach that utilises qualitative stakeholder interviews, this research evaluates the effectiveness of the various policies and programs aimed at fostering digital and entrepreneurship skills to young people in Rwanda, to promote employment. The research unveils that these programs hold significant potential in equipping the Rwandan youth with relevant skills and nurturing an innovative and entrepreneurial culture. However, it also highlights key areas requiring attention: the lack of robust follow-up mechanisms and the need for continued support post-training. It advocates for policymakers and program implementers to prioritize these aspects to maximize their initiatives' impact. The implications of this study extend beyond Rwanda's borders as countries worldwide grapple with similar challenges. Therefore, the insights gleaned from Rwanda's approach could guide other nations in leveraging digital skills and entrepreneurship training to combat youth unemployment in the digital age. It concludes by recommending future research directions, including maintaining program relevance in the ever-evolving digital landscape and instituting more effective support mechanisms for venture sustainability.

Environmental uncertainty and entrepreneurial orientation in collectivist and individualist cultures: evidence from Brazil and Belgium

ABSTRACT A fundamental premise of the information processing approach in entrepreneurship theory is that the distribution and processing of information is key to opportunity identification. We propose that collectivist-individualist cultural values influence the efficacy of information processing leading to different levels of entrepreneurial orientation (EO). Specifically, we submit that collectivism enhances shared information processing and goal setting in a dynamic environment, while individualism facilitates creativity and divergent thinking that can help EO if sufficient informational input is available. To empirically verify our theory, we study the relationships using survey and archival data from a sample of 487 firms in six industries in Brazil and Belgium, two countries that contrast in collectivism-individualism. Consistent with our predictions, we find higher EO in the collectivist culture of Brazil under high environmental dynamism and low information availability, and this difference is increased by strategic planning.

Framework for developing entrepreneurial business models: Theory and practical application

A framework for developing entrepreneurial business models is crucial for guiding entrepreneurs from conceptualization to practical application in a dynamic market environment. This review outlines a comprehensive framework that integrates theoretical concepts with practical approaches to help entrepreneurs create robust and adaptable business models. The framework is grounded in a synthesis of contemporary entrepreneurship theories and practical insights drawn from case studies of successful ventures. It begins with a theoretical exploration of foundational business model components, including value proposition, customer segments, revenue streams, and cost structures. By leveraging established models such as the Business Model Canvas and the Lean Startup methodology, the framework provides a structured approach for entrepreneurs to design and validate their business models. A key component of the framework is its emphasis on iterative development and validation. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to employ lean principles, such as rapid prototyping and customer feedback loops, to refine their business models. This iterative process helps in adapting to market changes and customer needs, reducing risk, and improving the likelihood of success. The framework also incorporates strategic analysis tools to evaluate market opportunities, competitive landscape, and potential challenges. Practical application is emphasized through detailed guidelines and tools for each stage of business model development. This includes methodologies for conducting market research, identifying key resources and partnerships, and establishing operational processes. Additionally, the framework addresses the importance of financial planning and risk management, offering practical advice on funding strategies and contingency planning. The paper also highlights the significance of contextual factors, such as industry trends, regulatory environment, and technological advancements, in shaping business models. By incorporating these elements, the framework provides a holistic approach to entrepreneurial business model development. In conclusion, the proposed framework serves as a valuable guide for entrepreneurs seeking to develop and implement effective business models. It combines theoretical insights with practical tools and strategies, enabling entrepreneurs to navigate the complexities of the business landscape and achieve sustainable success. This approach not only enhances the strategic planning process but also fosters innovation and adaptability in an ever-evolving market environment.

Navigating uncertainty: configurations of entrepreneurial behaviors for new venture performance

Purpose The entrepreneurial process often cannot be explained by a single entrepreneurial theory. Instead, it is more likely the result of the interaction between various entrepreneurial behavior patterns and different environmental conditions. However, existing research has frequently overlooked the complexity inherent in the entrepreneurial phenomenon. Building on a configurational perspective, this study aims to examine how new ventures can use different behavioral configurations to achieve high performance amid various uncertain environments. Design/methodology/approach Based on the survey data from 143 new start-ups in China’s software industry, this study uses fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). Findings This study jointly considers multiple entrepreneurial behaviors − causation, effectuation and entrepreneurial bricolage and different types of environmental uncertainty − state uncertainty, effect uncertainty and response uncertainty. The findings reveal three behavioral configurations for high/nonhigh new venture performance. Originality/value This study expands previous insights into the relationship between entrepreneurial behaviors and new venture performance from the perspective of configurational theory. Moreover, it offers new insights into the types of uncertainty, further refining our understanding of the uncertainties inherent in entrepreneurial activities.

The implications of the EU cohesion policy instruments and cross-border cooperation projects on social entrepreneurship in Euroregions

The current paper investigates the implications of the EU Cohesion Policy instrument Interreg through the implementation of cross-border cooperation projects on social entrepreneurship. Cross-border cooperation projects are implemented in Euroregions and invest in new knowledge and innovative solutions in policy priorities spread over social, environmental, and economic domains. Policy priorities in social and environmental domains overlap fields of play where social entrepreneurs operate. We build on the Knowledge Spillover Theory of Entrepreneurship and use a quantitative design to investigate the influence of EU-funded cross-border cooperation projects on the number of social enterprises in Luxembourg. We employed a rolling window analysis with ARIMA on a sample of 207 cross-border cooperation projects implemented between 2000 and 2020. We predicted social entrepreneurial activity in Euroregions in Luxembourg using investments through the EU Cohesion Policy in the social, environmental, and economic domains and identified a positive relationship in the social domain. The current study shows that investments in the social domain positively and significantly predict social entrepreneurial activity, supporting the critical role of the EU Cohesion Policy on social entrepreneurship. Our study discusses how social entrepreneurship can benefit from EU cross-border cooperation projects as recipients of potential knowledge spillovers.

Историческая наука о вкладе предпринимателей в формирование архитектурного облика городов дореволюционной Сибири

The aim of this article is to analyze the extent to which the role of entrepreneurs in the development of Siberian cities has been studied, particularly their contributions to the construction of various types of buildings in the region during the second half of the 19th – early 20th centuries. The renewed interest in the public and everyday life of entrepreneurs has prompted scholars to delve deeper into this subject. Researchers have explored a variety of topics, including contributions to the construction and renovation of administrative and commercial-industrial buildings, as well as cultural establishments such as libraries, museums, theaters, churches, temples, gymnasiums, and universities. New facts have emerged regarding entrepreneurs’ participation in philanthropy, with studies examining the motivations behind their charitable activities. The relevance of historiographical analysis, within the framework of modern discussions, is underscored by the theory of creative entrepreneur-ship. This theory, currently developing among modern Russian entrepreneurs from both large and small-to-medium-sized businesses, highlights their contributions to the architectural development of cities, culture, the economy, and philanthropy. This research provides valuable insights into how entrepreneurs of pre-revolutionary Siberia influenced not only the physical appearance of cities but also contributed to their social and cultural advancement.

Setting the tone: the diffusion of moral and moral-emotional appeals across political and public discourse

Abstract Whether a topic is seen in a moral or moral-emotional light has significant political implications. Yet, we lack knowledge about the process of moralization: Who defines the way topics are communicated about? Where prior research has investigated the relative power of different actors to place a topic on the agenda or shape opinions, we study who sets the moral and moral-emotional tone of debate. To do so, we zoom in on immigration discourse in Germany and analyze fine-grained social media data from politicians, political parties, newspapers, and members of the public over a period of more than four years. After employing a transformer model to identify moral and moral-emotional appeals, we use structural vector autoregression models to demonstrate the important role of radical-right challengers in shaping public discourse in a negative moral-emotional direction. The results inform theories of moralization and political entrepreneurship.

Weak vs Strong Knowledge Spillover Effects. Evidence from Geographic Distribution of Innovative Startup in Italy

This paper introduces the concepts of weak and strong knowledge spillover effects within the context of the Knowledge Spillover Theory of Entrepreneurship. In this context, the fundamental idea of our proposition is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the factors and conditions promoting and supporting entrepreneurship development at the regional and provincial level using a unique unbalanced panel database, consisting of 9242 Italian Innovative startups for the period 2008-2018. In general terms, we argue that the evidence from our unbalanced panel dataset indicates that these dynamics are as follows. First, spillover effects deriving from competition are initially strong at the province level, and later decay to weak spillover effects at the regional level. Second, in terms of specialization (intra-industry) spillover effects, they are initially strong at the provincial level, and later become weak at the regional level. Third, spillover effects deriving from diversity (inter-industry) are predominantly strong at the regional level, yet weak at the provincial level of aggregation. At the provincial level, higher levels of competition result in strong knowledge spillover effects leading to higher new firm formation, with weak knowledge spillover effects deriving from specialization. Furthermore, in line with the Knowledge Spillover Theory of Entrepreneurship, the existence of non-homogeneous distribution of opportunities and related knowledge spillover effects create heterogeneity of patterns of new firm formation across different units of geographic aggregation. These results provide evidence of constraint potential for growth that remains a puzzle and challenge for academics and policymakers.

Unveiling Success Factors: Nepalese Migrant Entrepreneurship in South Korea’s Service Sectors Through the Lens of Migrant Entrepreneurship Theory Perspectives

Unveiling Success Factors: Nepalese Migrant Entrepreneurship in South Korea’s Service Sectors Through the Lens of Migrant Entrepreneurship Theory Perspectives

Entrepreneurial Traits and Firms Performance: Evidence from SMEs in Nigeria

The purpose of this research is to determine the influence of entrepreneurial traits on firm’s performance in selected small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Anambra State, Nigeria. The research was supported by trait theory of entrepreneurship. The research employed survey research design. The population target consists of 548 registered small and medium-scale enterprises located in Awka South L.G.A, Anambra State. The study used sample of 240 respondents drawn from the registered small and medium-scale enterprises. Stratified random sampling was employed in identifying respondents. A structured questionnaire was incorporated in data collection. Face and content validity was adopted in the study. Cronbach alpha coefficient was useful in examining the research instrument. Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.7 was used for reliability. The assembled data was examined by means of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics assisted by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Data presentation entailed usage of tables and percentages. The findings indicated that entrepreneurial traits had a positive significance influence on the performance of SMEs. The research concluded, risk taking propensity, innovativeness and resilience influence performance of SMEs in Anambra State Nigeria having been statistically significant and therefore considered. The study recommended that prospective entrepreneurs should be mindful of these factors and take advantage of them in their quest to improve their firm’s performance and competitiveness.

Chance, probability, and uncertainty at the edge of human reasoning: What is Knightian uncertainty?

AbstractResearch SummaryFor more than a century, Frank Knight's Risk, Uncertainty, and Profit has significantly influenced entrepreneurship theory development by exploring the nature of uncertainty and the epistemic limits of entrepreneurial action. Knight's work highlights how economic actors cannot fully predict the consequences of their actions. Despite its broad influence, debates persist regarding the nature of Knightian uncertainty. This study addresses these debates through a comprehensive analysis of RUP and Knight's other published and unpublished writings to offer new insights into the nature and meaning of Knightian uncertainty, revealing Knight's holistic theory that integrates “real indeterminism,” “partial knowledge,” and “subjective beliefs.” This analysis provides much needed construct clarity to advance contemporary theories of entrepreneurial action and the role of uncertainty in business venturing processes.Managerial SummaryThis article revisits Frank Knight's foundational work, Risk, Uncertainty, and Profit, a cornerstone in entrepreneurship research for over a century. We highlight Knight's holistic approach to uncertainty, which integrates the concepts of real indeterminism (the inherent unpredictability of future events), partial knowledge (the incomplete understanding of the present and future), and subjective beliefs (individual perceptions and interpretations). The study offers new perspectives on how Knightian uncertainty influences entrepreneurial decision‐making and action, highlighting how this unique type of uncertainty plays a critical role in the business venturing process. These insights provide valuable contributions to contemporary theories of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the complexity and multifaceted nature of navigating uncertainty in business.

Towards a Paradigm Shift with Neuro-Entrepreneurship Education: a Lesson for the Developing Asian Nations

The field of neuro-entrepreneurship explores the specific characteristics that drive entrepreneurs' decisions and contribute to their success. Recent advancements in neuroscience offer a new way to understand how entrepreneurs think and behave. This understanding has led to a shift in entrepreneurial education, with a focus on integrating neuroscientific techniques. However, research in neuro-entrepreneurship is still fragmented, and there is a lack of comprehensive literature reviews. We are presenting a thorough review to address this gap and emphasize the urgent need for developing countries in South and South East Asia to incorporate neuroscientific techniques into entrepreneurial education, starting from the school level. The current entrepreneurial education in Sri Lanka suppresses the innovation and creativity of aspiring entrepreneurs, leading to a high demand for traditional practices. Integrating neuroscientific techniques into entrepreneurial education at all levels can help foster successful and productive entrepreneurs. This also emphasizes how experiments and neuroscientific techniques can improve entrepreneurial theories. This calls for a significant change in entrepreneurship education, aiming to cultivate a comprehensive entrepreneurial mindset in developing Asian nations.

Fostering Women Entrepreneurs: Exploring the Drivers of Successful Social Commerce Business Adoption Among Women

This study explores the determinants that contribute to the successful adoption of social commerce businesses among women, including entrepreneurial mindset, perceived value, social commerce literacy, and collaborative ecosystems. It also explores the potential impact of collaborative ecosystems and the successful adoption of social commerce businesses on women’s entrepreneurship. Targeting 223 women who are actively involved in social commerce businesses, data was analyzed using Smart PLS software. The results indicate that entrepreneurial mindset, perceived value, social commerce literacy, and collaborative ecosystems significantly impact the successful adoption of social commerce business among women. Furthermore, the study also found that the successful adoption of social commerce businesses and collaborative ecosystems has a significant impact on women’s entrepreneurship. This study contributes to the literature and theory of social commerce adoption, women entrepreneurship, and collaborative ecosystems in several ways. It makes a valuable contribution to social commerce theory by spotlighting the intricate interplay among diverse factors that collectively shape the successful adoption of social commerce ventures among women. The study’s findings also hold significant implications for a range of stakeholders, encompassing practical insights that can instigate positive transformations and enrich the realm of social commerce business and women’s entrepreneurship.

RESEARCH STATUS OF INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION ECOSYSTEM: DATA ANALYSIS FROM CNKI IN CHINA

Innovation and entrepreneurship education ecosystem is a hot and difficult issue in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship education research in recent years. The research on innovation and entrepreneurship education ecosystem in China has gone through 10 years of research and development. In order to grasp the current status, hotspots, trends and future of innovation and entrepreneurship education ecosystem research in China, 158 sample documents from the CNKI database were taken as the research object, and the bibliometric method was used to visualise and analyse the big data of the literature in terms of the amount of papers published annually, the research topics, the distribution of disciplines, the high-yield authors, the journals of the published papers, the institutions of the published papers, the high citations, the number of downloads, and the categories of the sources. Comparison. The results found that: China's innovation and entrepreneurship education ecosystem research is mainly divided into the disciplines of higher education and vocational education; journals such as Innovation and Entrepreneurship Theory, Research and Practice, Journal of Heilongjiang Institute of Education and Modernisation of Education are the main dissemination carriers; PKUC is the main source of journals for high-quality theses; Huangshan College, Wenzhou University, Northeast Normal University and Henan University of Technology are the main publication institutions ; Jiangsu Provincial Fund Project and Ministry of Education Fund Project are the main funding funds.