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Who Becomes an Entrepreneur? A 30-Years-Review of Individual-Level Research and an Agenda for Future Research

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  • Heinrichs, Simon
  • Walter, Sascha

Abstract

This article reviews the theoretical background and cumulates findings of 126 published studies (1980 - 2009) on individual determinants of entrepreneurial status. We categorize determinants into one of six paradigms (trait, cognitive, affective, intentions, learning, and economic) and review findings for 46 repeatedly studied variables. We then examine trends in the field and propose an agenda for future research. Our article complements prior reviews and meta-analyses by picturing the breadth of the field and adding important points to the research agenda.

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  • Heinrichs, Simon & Walter, Sascha, 2013. "Who Becomes an Entrepreneur? A 30-Years-Review of Individual-Level Research and an Agenda for Future Research," EconStor Preprints 68590, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics.
  • Handle: RePEc:zbw:esprep:68590
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Fourati Hedia & Affes Habib, 2014. "Risk as a Threat, Risk as a Missing Opportunity, the Owner Finance and Entrepreneurship," Entrepreneurship Research Journal, De Gruyter, vol. 4(4), pages 1-15, October.

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    Keywords

    entrepreneurial status;

    JEL classification:

    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups

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