Effectual entrepreneuring: sensemaking in a family-based start-up

Abstract

In this paper we examine the microprocesses associated with a successful business established by two young brothers (16 and 18). The study is informed by recent processual approaches to entrepreneurship associated with effectuation theory and sensemaking. We also draw on literature related to personal dispositions, which are the basis of habitual behaviours. The empirical data are drawn from a longitudinal study of an unconventional family business which was created by the two brothers while still at school. Opportunities were created, rather than discovered, by optimizing limited familial resources during the early stages of start-up. We expand effectuation theory by demonstrating the role of sensemaking (enactment, selection and retention), familial influences on dispositions (habits, heuristics and routines) and experiential learning during the first three years of operation.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08985626.2017.1297854
Divisions: College of Business and Social Sciences > Aston Business School
College of Business and Social Sciences > Aston Business School > Aston India Centre for Applied Research
Additional Information: This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis Group in Entrepreneurship & Regional Development on 5 Mar 2017, available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/08985626.2017.1297854
Uncontrolled Keywords: Effectual entrepreneuring, sensemaking, family business
Publication ISSN: 1464-5114
Last Modified: 18 Mar 2024 08:32
Date Deposited: 23 Aug 2019 14:04
Full Text Link: https://researc ... d9b451540).html
Related URLs: https://www.tan ... 26.2017.1297854 (Publisher URL)
PURE Output Type: Article
Published Date: 2017-05-27
Published Online Date: 2017-03-05
Accepted Date: 2017-02-17
Authors: Jones, Oswald
Li, Hongqin (ORCID Profile 0000-0002-3761-0553)

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