The Social Dimensions of Entrepreneurship

Abstract

Conventional ways of viewing the social aspects of entrepreneurship are considered unsatisfactory; hence, this emphasis is recast in terms of the "entrepreneurial event." The entrepreneurial event is shaped by groupings of social variables (such as ethnic groups) and the social and cultural environment. The entrepreneurial event is denoted by initiative-taking, consolidation of resources, management, relative autonomy, and risk-taking. The proposed paradigm attempts to include all versions of the entrepreneurial event and all variables (situational, social, and individual) identified with the event. The paradigm will answer two basic questions: what brought about the life-changing event? and why this particular event? Negative information, events, or displacements often lead to entrepreneurial events. The particular action taken depends upon (1) perceptions of desirability (values), and (2) perceptions of feasibility. The utility of the paradigm lies in its application to questions of policy, historical examples, and future research. (TNM)

Keywords: Startups, Background (biographical), Entrepreneurial environment, Entrepreneurial orientation, Social factors, Cultural models