Potential of Typological Theories in Entrepreneurship Research

Abstract

Typologies are a neglected form of theory of development in entrepreneurship research. Major typologies in strategic management viz., Miles and Snow, Porter and their vivid descriptive labels have helped in the parsimonious conceptualization of the gestalt of management practices that they represent, and in bringing forth theory development in strategy. This paper suggests that process typologies be used to map the anecdotal evidence on how: 1). entrepreneurs formulate their ideas for initiating a new venture, 2). entrepreneurs formulate their choice of a new venture. 3). Entrepreneurs actually initiate a new venture and 4). entrepreneurs actually implement a new venture. Process typologies once developed from grounded process data can potentially form a web of middle range theories that effectively guide research, policy and practice in the field of entrepreneurship.