Who becomes an entrepreneur? A 30-years-review of individual-level research

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to cumulate published empirical studies (1980-2009) on the relationship between individual variables and entrepreneurial status. The authors categorize repeatedly analyzed determinants into six perspectives (trait, cognitive, affective, intentions, learning, and economic), review empirical findings for each determinant and each perspective, investigate trends in the field, and propose avenues for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors categorize determinants into one of the six paradigms and review findings for 46 repeatedly studied variables from 131 studies. Support for each variable, publication outlets chosen, and temporal trends in exploring entrepreneurial intentions, entrepreneurial status or differences between entrepreneurs and other individuals are analyzed.

Findings

Prior studies have focused on trait and economic perspectives with strong support, followed by the learning and intentions perspectives. The affective perspective is a still under-researched, yet growing field. Most articles were published in the 1990s. The emphasis on theoretical perspectives varies over decades. Directions for future research include integrating the perspectives (e.g. across the cognitive and affective domain), testing the temporal stability of influences, and developing and testing cross-level models that incorporate contextual influences.

Originality/value

The paper complements prior reviews and meta-analyses by picturing the breadth of the field and adding important points to the research agenda.

Citation

Walter, S.G. and Heinrichs, S. (2015), "Who becomes an entrepreneur? A 30-years-review of individual-level research", Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 225-248. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-09-2012-0106