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Environmental Perceptions and Scanning in the United States and India: Convergence in Entrepreneurial Information Seeking?

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  • Wayne H. Stewart Jr.
  • Ruth C. May
  • Arvind Kalia

Abstract

Drawing on institutional theory and entrepreneurial cognition, we test the environmental perception–scanning framework in the United States and India. The results suggest that culture and transition context help explain scanning frequency, but entrepreneurs in the two countries are similar in their perceptions of strategic uncertainty in environmental sectors. Moreover, the perceptions of increased environmental change and sector importance, as conditioned by perceived information accessibility, are associated with increased scanning. Overall, our results provide important indications about perceptions and information seeking, and lend support to indications of a universal mindset of entrepreneurship.

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  • Wayne H. Stewart Jr. & Ruth C. May & Arvind Kalia, 2008. "Environmental Perceptions and Scanning in the United States and India: Convergence in Entrepreneurial Information Seeking?," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 32(1), pages 83-106, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:32:y:2008:i:1:p:83-106
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6520.2007.00217.x
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