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Untangling the Intuition Mess: Intuition as a Construct in Entrepreneurship Research

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  • J. Robert Mitchell
  • Paul N. Friga
  • Ronald K. Mitchell

Abstract

Entrepreneurs often use intuition to explain their actions. But because entrepreneurial intuition is poorly defined in the research literature: the “intuitive†is confused with the “innate,†what is systematic is overlooked, and unexplained variance in entrepreneurial behavior remains high. Herein we: (1) bound and define the construct of entrepreneurial intuition within the distinctive domain of entrepreneurship research; (2) apply a levels–of–consciousness logic and process dynamism approach to; (3) organize definitions, antecedents, and consequences; and (4) produce propositions that lead to a working definition of entrepreneurial intuition. Our analysis renders intuition more usable in entrepreneurship research, and more valuable in practice.

Suggested Citation

  • J. Robert Mitchell & Paul N. Friga & Ronald K. Mitchell, 2005. "Untangling the Intuition Mess: Intuition as a Construct in Entrepreneurship Research," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 29(6), pages 653-679, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:29:y:2005:i:6:p:653-679
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6520.2005.00102.x
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    20. C. Troise & D. Matricano & E. Candelo & L. Schjoedt, 2022. "A ten-year cross-national examination of the dance between intuition and rationality in entrepreneurial processes," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 18(2), pages 663-692, June.
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    22. Wiltbank, Robert & Read, Stuart & Dew, Nicholas & Sarasvathy, Saras D., 2009. "Prediction and control under uncertainty: Outcomes in angel investing," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 24(2), pages 116-133, March.

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