Entrepreneurial Resilience: Real & Perceived Barriers to Implementing Entrepreneurial Intentions

Abstract

Researchers have vigorously pursued study of entrepreneurial intentions. Such study has proven useful, both conceptually and practically. Formal models of behavioral intentions offer sound theory and empirical robustness plus well-defined critical antecedents. Intentions still remain the best single predictor of human behavior. However, researchers have also long noted that we need a much better understanding of the linkages between intention and action Krueger 2000; Shepherd & Krueger 2002). Does the failure of an intent to be realized as action (a) reflect a change in one or more of the critical antecedents or (b) reflect a barrier to action that could not be surmounted? This study explores the latter explanation in some depth.

Keywords: entrepreneurial intentions, entrepreneurial cognition, barriers, triggers, precipitating event

JEL Classification: M13