Subjective Value in Entrepreneurship

Abstract

We produce a definition and argument for explicitly adopting value subjectivism in entrepreneurship research. While the field has progressively shifted toward subjectivism over the past decades, we remain saddled with positivist baggage in our theories’ definitions of key variables, including the concept of value. Although modern scholars readily admit that value is subjective, what is generally meant by this is that it is idiosyncratically determined. We argue that value is more appropriately defined, atop pure subjectivism, as an increase in subjective satisfaction or well-being. We develop and elaborate on this definition and explore its implications for entrepreneurship theory and policy.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, subjectivism

JEL Classification: L26, D46