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Identifying and understanding entrepreneurial decision-making logics in entrepreneurship education

Sanna Ilonen (Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland)
Jarna Heinonen (Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland)
Pekka Stenholm (Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland)

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research

ISSN: 1355-2554

Article publication date: 2 November 2017

Issue publication date: 8 January 2018

1944

Abstract

Purpose

It is unclear how nascent entrepreneurs make decisions during the venture creation process. The purpose of this paper is to investigate decision-making logics and their transformation over time among student entrepreneurs who aim to create new business ventures in the higher education setting.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the mixed methods approach through the use of survey and observation data. The longitudinal survey data comprise three surveys collected via an internet-aided tool. The constructs of causation and effectuation are measured using previously tested scales (Chandler et al., 2011). Non-participant observation data were collected during the course, focussing on the venture creation processes of four different start-ups, and were analysed thematically.

Findings

The findings show three transformation patterns – doubts in how to proceed, unwillingness to proceed, and unsatisfactory team dynamics – that led individuals towards a coping decision-making logic in which no causation or effectuation is emphasised. The findings illustrate that, despite this stage of decision-making logic, the learning process continues: Even if no new business venture is launched, entrepreneurship education can still generate learning outcomes that improve students’ understanding of entrepreneurship as well as understanding of themselves as entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

This study brings the theories of causation and effectuation into the teaching of entrepreneurship. Of particular value to scholars is the fact that the study generates new understanding of the decision-making logics during new venture creation. Accordingly, this study sheds new light on the transformation and complementarity of the decision-making logic of an individual as new ventures emerge in an educational context reflecting the real-life start-up context.

Keywords

Citation

Ilonen, S., Heinonen, J. and Stenholm, P. (2018), "Identifying and understanding entrepreneurial decision-making logics in entrepreneurship education", International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Vol. 24 No. 1, pp. 59-80. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-05-2017-0163

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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