Detailed Record



Is It Okay to Study Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) at the Individual Level? Yes!


Abstract Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) is an important construct in the fields of management and entrepreneurship research. Interest in EO knowledge continues to thrive with a burgeoning research agenda in multiple contexts and with diverse implications. However, a subset of this research, which endeavors to apply the EO construct to explain or predict individuals’ entrepreneurial beliefs and behaviors, has met with resistance. This paper examines the case for EO at the individual level (Ind.EO). We consider the EO legacy concerns, and the various theoretical implications and benefits of doing so. Drawing upon an “EO as a family of constructs” framework, we propose paths forward for studying Ind.EO credibly, consistent with, but distinct from, traditional firm-level EO. Finally, we outline a research agenda and discuss the contributions and potential implications for Ind.EO research across the wider entrepreneurship discipline.
Authors Daniel R. Clark ORCID , Robert J. Pidduck ORCID , G. T. Lumpkin ORCID , Jeffrey G. Covin University of WyomingORCID
Journal Info SAGE Publishing | Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice , vol: 48 , iss: 1 , pages: 349 - 391
Publication Date 6/21/2023
ISSN 1042-2587
TypeKeyword Image article
Open Access closed Closed Access
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/10422587231178885
KeywordsKeyword Image Entrepreneurial Orientation (Score: 0.631331) , Entrepreneurial Education (Score: 0.568714) , Entrepreneurship (Score: 0.51516)