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Entrepreneurship in the Controversial Economy: Toward a Research Agenda

Author

Listed:
  • Benedetto Lorenzo Cannatelli

    (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore)

  • Brett Richard Smith

    (Miami University)

  • Alisa Sydow

    (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore)

Abstract

This work extends theory about entrepreneurship across formal and informal institutional boundaries. While research has identified formal, informal, and renegade economies, we introduce the concept of the controversial economy, defined as the set of legal but illegitimate (to some large groups) activities through which actors exploit opportunities. We explain the existence of the controversial economy, its prevalence, and provide examples. We explore how and why entrepreneurs may exploit opportunities in the controversial economy based on individual and opportunity-related attributes. Finally, we identify several theoretical perspectives and research questions as an initial research agenda for the controversial economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Benedetto Lorenzo Cannatelli & Brett Richard Smith & Alisa Sydow, 2019. "Entrepreneurship in the Controversial Economy: Toward a Research Agenda," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 155(3), pages 837-851, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:155:y:2019:i:3:d:10.1007_s10551-017-3482-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-017-3482-x
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    Cited by:

    1. Esther Salvi & Frank-Martin Belz & Sophie Bacq, 2023. "Informal Entrepreneurship: An Integrative Review and Future Research Agenda," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 47(2), pages 265-303, March.
    2. Sven Horak & Yuliani Suseno, 2023. "Informal Networks, Informal Institutions, and Social Exclusion in the Workplace: Insights from Subsidiaries of Multinational Corporations in Korea," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 186(3), pages 633-655, September.
    3. Maurer, Joshua D. & Creek, Steven A. & Bendickson, Joshua S. & McDowell, William C. & Mahto, Raj V., 2022. "The three pillars’ impact on entrepreneurial activity and funding: A country-level examination," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 142(C), pages 808-818.
    4. Richard J. Arend, 2021. "Comprehensive Opportunity Assessment Using Commercial and Moral Intensities," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-19, December.

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