A network view of entrepreneurial cognition in corporate entrepreneurship contexts

Abstract

Purpose Research in entrepreneurial cognition has called for a better understanding of interactions between contextual variables and cognitive processes. Based on previous work done on organizational learning and social networks, the purpose of this paper is to propose a formal model in which information acquisition, distribution and interpretation are tested as a function of cognition-based trust, perceived expertise and tie strength between organizational members in two different corporate entrepreneurship (CE) types. Design/methodology/approach The authors conduct a quantitative analysis based on network data in two companies located in India. Special procedures known as quadratic assignment procedure and multiple regression quadratic assignment procedure were used to run the correlations and multiple regressions, respectively. The authors complement this analysis with interviews and qualitative information to build a rich description in each of these cases. Findings The results indicate moderate support for the model. The evidence suggests that between both types of CE types, domain redefinition requires higher levels of tie strength, trust and perceived expertise. Sustained regeneration shows moderate significant results in tie strength, and cognition-based trust. Originality/value The authors combined insights on social network and organizational cognitive processes to analyze interactions between context and cognition. The authors were also able to compare two different companies. The authors found consistent results regarding tie strength, but the authors also found differences between both companies, which suggest that different CE types tend to require different dynamics between context and cognitive processes.

Impact of relatedness, uncertainty and slack on corporate entrepreneurship decisions

“…Taken as a whole, these results suggest that the lens of “entrepreneurial cognition” (Corbett and Hmieleski, 2007; Garrett and Holland, 2015; Mitchell et al , 2002; Thomas et al , 2019) may be usefully used by empirical studies on corporate entrepreneurship. While some conceptual publications exist that consider how cognitions may differ between independent entrepreneurs and corporate entrepreneurs (e.g.…”

“…(2019) also describes how search versus execution behaviors in entrepreneurial firms might be affected by cognitive approaches. While some research has also explored the cognitions of corporate entrepreneurs (e.g., Corbett and Hmieleski, 2007; Garrett and Holland, 2015; Thomas et al ., 2019), there is yet a link lacking between these cognitions and actual decision-making behaviors of corporate entrepreneurs. A better understanding of the decision-making schemas used by corporate entrepreneurs would contribute much to our understanding of how corporate entrepreneurs differ from independent entrepreneurs and what attributes of ICV context are salient to corporate entrepreneurs.…”

Influence of Individual Cognition, Satisfaction, and the Theory of Planned Behavior on Tenant Loyalty

“…The extent of their behavioral intention further determines their actual purchase behaviors. Thomas et al (2019) investigated the Indian enterprises in terms of social network, organizational learning and organizational cognition by taking the attitude as moderating effect. The research results showed that, according to the Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA), social network is strongly associated with the organizational learning, social network is interactive with the organization cognition, and the organizational cognition has positive effects on the attitude.…”

A social cognition perspective on entrepreneurial personality traits and intentions to start a business: Does creativity matter?

“…Clarke and Cornelissen (2011) operationalized cognition in entrepreneurship by locating it in the context of language and sense-making. More recent studies expand the social cognition perspective in the context of cross-country entrepreneurial activity (Raza et al, 2018) or networks (Thomas et al, 2019) where relationships are complex and extend beyond organizational and cultural boundaries. These studies confirm that a social cognition perspective in entrepreneurship creates opportunities to combine cognitive, motivational, and emotional forces in various social contexts (Mitchell et al, 2011).…”