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Entrepreneurial cognition and behavior in the discovery and creation of international opportunities

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  • Manuel Oyson
  • Hugh Whittaker

Abstract

Opportunities have become central to the field of international entrepreneurship (IE), but empirical exploration of the concept and its processes is still in its infancy. Based on case studies of 12 internationalizing New Zealand businesses, this paper unpacks the opportunity construct and distinguishes between discovery, which in essence refers to cognitive dimensions of potential opportunities, and their actualization or creation through cognitive refinement and entrepreneurial action. Hence, it provides a distinctive way of navigating the discovery/creation debate, with its competing ontological positions. It also identifies the role of entrepreneurial imagination as a significant cognitive source of opportunity discovery alongside knowledge. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media New York 2015

Suggested Citation

  • Manuel Oyson & Hugh Whittaker, 2015. "Entrepreneurial cognition and behavior in the discovery and creation of international opportunities," Journal of International Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 13(3), pages 303-336, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jinten:v:13:y:2015:i:3:p:303-336
    DOI: 10.1007/s10843-015-0156-6
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    7. Alexander Tabares & Yanto Chandra & Claudia Alvarez & Manuela Escobar-Sierra, 2021. "Opportunity-related behaviors in international entrepreneurship research: a multilevel analysis of antecedents, processes, and outcomes," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 321-368, March.
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