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Entrepreneurial alertness in the pursuit of new opportunities

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  • Tang, Jintong
  • Kacmar, K. Michele (Micki)
  • Busenitz, Lowell

Abstract

The recognition and development of new opportunities are at the heart of entrepreneurship. Building from Kirzner's (1973, 1999) work, cognition theory, and McMullen and Shepherd's (2006) recent development, we offer a model involving three distinct elements of alertness: scanning and search, association and connection, and evaluation and judgment. We then conduct multiple studies to develop and validate a 13-item alertness scale that captures these three dimensions. Results demonstrate appropriate dimensionality, strong reliability, and content, convergent, discriminant, and nomological validity. The resultant instrument provides researchers with a valuable tool for probing the entrepreneurial opportunity development process including antecedents and outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Tang, Jintong & Kacmar, K. Michele (Micki) & Busenitz, Lowell, 2012. "Entrepreneurial alertness in the pursuit of new opportunities," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 27(1), pages 77-94.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbvent:v:27:y:2012:i:1:p:77-94
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusvent.2010.07.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Crespo, Nuno Fernandes & Simões, Vitor Corado & Fontes, Margarida, 2022. "Uncovering the factors behind new ventures’ international performance: Capabilities, alertness and technological turbulence," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 40(3), pages 344-359.
    3. Hongxin Wang & Wenqing Wu & Chenjian Zhang, 2025. "Bouncing back from failure: Digital technology capability, entrepreneurial alertness, and reentry intention," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 42(1), pages 197-232, March.
    4. Elham Garmroudesfandiari & Vajihe Baghersad & Morteza Akbari, 2025. "Unlocking entrepreneurial potential: unveiling the role of both types of institutional forces," Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Springer;UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurship, vol. 15(1), pages 1-20, December.
    5. Stephen E. Lanivich & Nadia Zahoor & Francis Donbesuur & Domnan Miri & Samuel Adomako, 2025. "Entrepreneurial alertness: A mechanism for innovation and growth in an emerging economy," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 42(1), pages 109-136, March.
    6. HUNG Ta Huy & NGUYEN Phuong Mai & LUU Thi-Minh-Ngoc & DINH Van Toan, 2025. "Unlocking the Influence of Personality Traits and Culture on Entrepreneurial Intention: Evidence from a Transition Economy," Foundations of Management, Sciendo, vol. 17(1), pages 71-84.
    7. Wei Deng & Stephen X. Zhang & Qiaozhuan Liang & Wei Wang & Yue Zhang, 2025. "How voluntary sector experience as a unique institutional catalyst shapes general entrepreneurial alertness and intentions," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 42(1), pages 233-266, March.
    8. Philip T. Roundy & Subin Im, 2025. "Combining cognition and context: entrepreneurial alertness and the microfoundations of entrepreneurial ecosystems," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 42(1), pages 57-75, March.
    9. Robert J. Pidduck & Daniel R. Clark, 2025. "Alert during what? Beyond the “Big O” to a culturally-cognizant, process view of entrepreneurial alertness," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 42(1), pages 137-165, March.
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