Entrepreneurship: an assimilated multi-perspective review

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is a prominent area of inquiry which is enriched by a substantial literature base and challenged by definitional deficiencies. As multiple perspectives of entrepreneurship have emerged, the question of an integrated theory of entrepreneurship has arisen. Yet, given the range of perspectives of entrepreneurship this may be unachievable or create further challenges. Alternatively, this paper proposes a holistic approach to entrepreneurship. This holistic approach advocates the inclusion and recognition of the multiple perspectives of entrepreneurship, without the requirement for integration and any resultant compromise or concession. This has been achieved through the evaluation and synthesis of existing entrepreneurship literature, which was assessed against standing entrepreneurship conceptualisations. Existing models were synthesised and extended to develop an inclusive model, from which the proposition of a holistic approach emerged. This can facilitate the continued enlargement of the entrepreneurship field, whilst informing the conceptual parameters of the field and allow for interdisciplinary research without conceding entrepreneurship's claim as a distinct field of study. The discussion of this perspective of entrepreneurship allowed for future research opportunities to be identified. The exploitation of these research opportunities can potentially enrich the entrepreneurship field through a more nuanced understanding of innovation, entrepreneurial teams and entrepreneurial leadership.

Political entrepreneurship in the field of Māori sovereignty in Aotearoa New Zealand

“…The field of entrepreneurship is contested, being shaped by competing views regarding its focus and underlying conditions (see Clark and Harrison ; McCaffrey and Salerno ; Petridou, Aflaki and Miles ). Bygrave and Hofer (: 14 emphasis in original) have argued that, in the simplest sense, ‘ An entrepreneur is someone who perceives an opportunity and creates an organization to pursue it’.…”

“…Beyond this definition the concept appears limited, as motivations, expertise and the effects of the external environment shape decisions and outcomes (Bull and Willard ). In a recent review of the field, Clark and Harrison (: 4) argue for ‘a more nuanced understanding of entrepreneurship through an amalgamated and interrelated multi‐perspective depiction of the field’. Mapping out the field of entrepreneurship, they reinforce the distinction between the characteristics of the individual (great person, trait, and leadership schools) and those of the entrepreneurial process itself (new venture and new entry schools) (Clark and Harrison ).…”

“…In a recent review of the field, Clark and Harrison (: 4) argue for ‘a more nuanced understanding of entrepreneurship through an amalgamated and interrelated multi‐perspective depiction of the field’. Mapping out the field of entrepreneurship, they reinforce the distinction between the characteristics of the individual (great person, trait, and leadership schools) and those of the entrepreneurial process itself (new venture and new entry schools) (Clark and Harrison ). These perspectives on entrepreneurship draw on existing fields of enquiry but converge on the importance of opportunities.…”

“…Political entrepreneurship offers a framework to move beyond institutionalized power and consider the roles of individual actors (Christopoulos ; Hederer ). This framework identifies personal characteristics as well as conditions in the external environment that influence individual decisions and outcomes, by drawing on the study of entrepreneurship in business (see Clark and Harrison ). In its simplest form, political entrepreneurship is conceived as the ability to secure resources in the interest of a select group (Bygrave and Hofer ; Jones ).…”

“Women Social Entrepreneurship in Action’’ a Case Study of Women Social Entrepreneurship Initiatives in Tamil Nadu (India)

“…"In a business context, it means to start a business or a person who undertakes a venture and turn into a profitable venture. The process carried out by an entrepreneur is entrepreneurship, though possible through a holistic approach (Catherine M. Clark & Christian Harrison, 2019). It is neither restricted to a number nor limited to a particular gender.…”