The Path Beyond the Opportunity Wars: Exploring the Continued Relevance of McMullen and Shepherd (2006) for the Future of Entrepreneurial Action Theory

2021 ◽  
pp. 155-177
Author(s):  
David Townsend ◽  
Rick Hunt ◽  
Parul Manocha
Keyword(s):  
Action Theory ◽  
The Future ◽  
Entrepreneurial Action

Narrating the Facets of Time in Entrepreneurial Action

2021 ◽  
pp. 104225872110381
Author(s):  
Christian Garmann Johnsen ◽  
Robin Holt
Keyword(s):  
Current Understanding ◽  
The Future ◽  
Entrepreneurial Action ◽  
Temporal Dimensions ◽  
Past Experiences ◽  
Narrative Framework ◽  
Images Of The Future

The current understanding of entrepreneurial action is grounded in time, but the different facets of this time remain to be sufficiently explored. We argue that entrepreneurial action has two temporal dimensions: world time and human time. World time reveals the prior contextual conditions giving rise to entrepreneurial actions that generate subsequent results. Human time reveals how entrepreneurs act on the basis of past experiences, attention to current conditions, and images of the future. Using a narrative framework to integrate world time and human time, we contribute to a deeper understanding of the different facets of time in entrepreneurial action.

Understanding critical success factors and perceived future among micro and small firms through entrepreneurial action theory

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abel Duarte Alonso ◽  
Seng Kiat Kok
Keyword(s):  
Small Firms ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Action Theory ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Entrepreneurial Action

Purpose This study aims to examine how owners and managers of micro and small enterprises perceive firm success and the future of their businesses. Entrepreneurial action theory is adopted in the analysis and a modified theoretical framework is proposed. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 34 owners and managers representing 32 Italian and Spanish wine businesses; qualitative content analysis was used. Findings Eight dimensions common to both groups of participants emerged, with the most prevalent themes revealing strong links with opportunity maximisation. In particular, the importance of perceived critical success factors was manifested by continuous improvements, building relationships, and being perceived highly are in line with perceptions of wineries’ future, including entering demanding markets, becoming a referent for the region, or attaining global recognition. Originality/value In investigating critical success factors and the perceived future of businesses from two of the world’s largest wine producers and exporters, this study provides a theoretical, practical and international perspective concerning these dimensions. In addition, this study focuses on Europe’s largest business sector, namely, small and medium enterprises. Furthermore, this study proposes a theoretical framework, which brings together the findings and the insights of entrepreneurial action theory.

scholarly journals Understanding entrepreneurial deviance through social learning and entrepreneurial action theory: an empirical study

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 643-666
Author(s):  
Abel Duarte Alonso ◽  
Seng Kiat Kok ◽  
Seamus O'Brien ◽  
Louis Geneste
Keyword(s):  
Social Learning ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Action Theory ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Learning Theories ◽  
Online Surveys ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entrepreneurial Action ◽  
Proper Solutions

Purpose The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine entrepreneurial deviance from the perspective of New Zealand's commercial honey producers. The study adopts entrepreneurial action and social learning theories and proposes a theoretical framework in the context of entrepreneurial deviance. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through online surveys from 52 professional beekeepers. Findings Overstocking of beehives, encroachment, biosecurity threats and unfair competition were most common forms of deviance affecting participants. While these predominantly responded through investing in disease prevention, security equipment or by reporting deviant incidents, finding proper solutions remains elusive. The findings revealed robust alignments with both theories. Overall, offenders’ perceived incentives to act illustrate alignment with social learning theory’s four key constructs. Entrepreneurial action emerged through individual perpetrators’ evaluation and subsequent maximisation of potentially lucrative opportunities. Originality/value The study addresses an important and under-researched dimension, notably, the negative or “dark” side of entrepreneurs, in this case, illustrated through greed and disregard for fair and proper ways of conducting business. This knowledge gap is even more obvious among small and medium business, which is also the focus of the research.

From Dream to Reality: The Ambivalent Role of Nascent Entrepreneurs’ Motivation in the Intention-Action Gap

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tali Hadasa Blank ◽  
Laëtitia Gabay-Mariani
Keyword(s):  
Intrinsic Motivation ◽  
Action Theory ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Nascent Entrepreneurs ◽  
Higher Education System ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Entrepreneurial Action ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Moderating Role

Abstract This paper addresses nascent entrepreneurs’ intention-action gap by examining the predictive and the moderating role of different types of motivations. We draw on the theory of planned behavior and on action theory to explain the entrepreneurial action of 205 student nascent entrepreneurs operating in academic incubators within the French higher education system. Our results demonstrate an indirect influence of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation on entrepreneurial action. When referring to motivation as moderating the relationship between intention and action, we show that mid-levels of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation reinforce the positive association between nascent entrepreneurs’ intentions and actions. Our study demonstrates the importance of distinguishing between motivational and volitional phases of the entrepreneurial process, and provides new insights for academic institutions seeking to incubate businesses created by student nascent entrepreneurs.

scholarly journals Is internationalisation really an available choice for micro firms producing cava and Prosecco Superiore? A cross-country, entrepreneurial action perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abel Duarte Alonso ◽  
Seng Kiat Kok
Keyword(s):  
Action Theory ◽  
Direct Action ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Wine Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wine Tourism ◽  
Medium Enterprise ◽  
Cross Country ◽  
Entrepreneurial Action ◽  
Theory Uncertainty

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine pathways towards, and the rationale behind internationalisation from the perspectives of micro firms' operators involved in the globally competitive wine industry. Moreover, drawing from entrepreneurial action theory, the study developed a theoretical framework to help understanding micro approaches and rationale for internationalisation.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through interviews with 19 micro winery owners and managers operating in the Prosecco Superiore (Italy) and cava industry (Spain).FindingsAligned with entrepreneurial action theory, uncertainty in participants' environment, coupled with the associated need to diversify through exports, were predominant drivers of internationalisation. However, internationalisation also emerged through non-deliberate channels, including through growth of wine tourism and increasing foreign wine enthusiasts. Thus, while entrepreneurial action through deliberate means triggered a stronger focus on internationalisation, other passive interventions beyond the control or influence of micro firms, but rather emerge serendipitously, can similarly spur direct action.Originality/valueThe study demonstrated its originality and value in various ways, fundamentally, addressing three knowledge gaps, thereby contributing to practical and theoretical discourses with corresponding value, including managerially. First, it extended literature focussing on micro firms, which as compared to small and medium enterprise research is much more limited. Second, it provided a comparative component, which is much rarer in contemporary research discussing internationalisation amongst micro firms. Third, the study proposed a theoretical framework stemming from the chosen inductive approach, thus, addressing concerns regarding the lack of theoretical rigour or depth in internationalisation activities amongst micro firms.

scholarly journals Uncertainty and adaptation in the context of Brexit

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 885-909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abel Duarte Alonso ◽  
Seng Kok ◽  
Seamus O'Brien
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Action Theory ◽  
Capabilities Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wine Tourism ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Perceived Impacts ◽  
Entrepreneurial Action ◽  
Theoretical Foundations

Purpose The purpose of this study is to propose a framework to understand firms’ adaptation to uncertainty and change, specifically, in regards to the perceived impacts of the Brexit phenomenon. In doing so, the study considers entrepreneurial action theory (EAT) and the dynamic capabilities approach (DCA). Design/methodology/approach Face-to-face interviews were conducted with owners and managers of 34 family-run firms operating in Italy’s Prosecco Superiore and Spain’s Cava industries. Findings The element of uncertainty because of the imminent Brexit decision clearly emerged and was demonstrated through various effects on firms including the falling British Pound. The findings revealed that combining the EAT and the DCA provides a stronger explanation in understanding adaptation to uncertainty. For example, sensing (DCA) was suggested to be a precursor of opportunity attention and evaluation (EAT) or recognising opportunities and was subsequently manifested by operators’ action or seizing (DCA), including through more involvement in exports and wine tourism. Originality/value The study is one of the few efforts to date to examine the potential impacts of an uncontrollable contemporary phenomenon, and ways to adapt from the perspective of entrepreneurs involved in a traditional and socioeconomically significant industry. The different adaptive strategies that emerged from the findings can provide practical insights. The proposed framework emphasises the theoretical and practical value of understanding adaptation through the lens of the adopted theoretical foundations.

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