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Effectual Networks as Complex Adaptive Systems: Exploring Dynamic and Structural Factors of Emergence

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  • Tamara Galkina
  • Irina Atkova

Abstract

The notion of effectual networks is one of the central concepts in the effectuation research. However, there has been little conceptual and empirical work on how they emerge and what structures they have. This article incorporates the concept of complex adaptive systems from complexity theory to understand both their dynamic and structural elements. We examine the effectual networks and networking of 10 startups from Finland and offer a process-system model of effectual networks. We derive propositions that connect dynamic and structural entrepreneur-related factors of their emergence and outline directions for future research at the intersection of effectuation and complexity theory.

Suggested Citation

  • Tamara Galkina & Irina Atkova, 2020. "Effectual Networks as Complex Adaptive Systems: Exploring Dynamic and Structural Factors of Emergence," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 44(5), pages 964-995, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:44:y:2020:i:5:p:964-995
    DOI: 10.1177/1042258719879670
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    4. Mumford, Jonathan Van & Zettinig, Peter, 2022. "Co-creation in effectuation processes: A stakeholder perspective on commitment reasoning," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 37(4).
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    6. Scazziota, Vanessa & Serra, Fernando & Sarkar, Soumodip & Guerrazzi, Luiz, 2023. "The antecedents of entrepreneurial action: A meta-synthesis on effectuation and bricolage," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 155(PA).
    7. Sylvia Hubner & Fabian Most & Jochen Wirtz & Christine Auer, 2022. "Narratives in entrepreneurial ecosystems: drivers of effectuation versus causation," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 59(1), pages 211-242, June.
    8. Séverine Ventolini & Barthélemy Chollet & Gazi Islam, 2021. "Everybody's looking for something: Developmental networks as subjective career relationships," Grenoble Ecole de Management (Post-Print) hal-03364142, HAL.

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