An axiological measure of entrepreneurial cognition
International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research
ISSN: 1355-2554
Article publication date: 2 October 2018
Issue publication date: 18 February 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to expand the recent lines of inquiry into entrepreneurial cognition by focusing on the structure of values as an important aspect of cognition. Value theory, or axiology, posits that the capacity to value and to make value judgments is a distinctly human function – one that is a higher order process than is pure cognition alone.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is designed as a quantitative discovery. A well-established assessment instrument from the field of value science is used to measure deep-seated, evaluative thought patterns for a sample of founders of early stage startups and a comparative sample of senior managers. Value structures underlying cognition for individuals across these samples are compared to reveal both similarities and differences between the groups.
Findings
This study identifies a cognitive process underlying opportunity recognition, evaluation and exploitation, known as integration. This study finds that entrepreneurs have stronger capacities for integrative thinking than do managers. In contrast to other published research, this study finds that early stage entrepreneurs are not characterized by hubris, an inflated sense of self-efficacy, nor an exceptional capacity for action.
Originality/value
This paper extends the study of entrepreneurial cognition by applying an empirical measure of the foundational levels of cognition. It reveals heretofore unarticulated differences, as well as similarities, between entrepreneurs and managers.
Keywords
Citation
Hurst, C.G. (2019), "An axiological measure of entrepreneurial cognition", International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Vol. 25 No. 2, pp. 394-412. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-05-2018-0337
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited