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Attributions about Entrepreneurship: A Framework and Process for Analyzing Reasons for Starting a Business

Author

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  • Kelly G. Shaver
  • William B. Gartner
  • Elizabeth Crosby
  • Karolina Bakalarova
  • Elizabeth J. Gatewood

Abstract

Principles from theories of social attribution are used to devise a coding scheme for responses to an open-ended question (Why do you want to start this business?) asked of nascent entrepreneurs In the Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics (PSED). In the attributional framework used, explanations that involve causes located internal to the person are distinguished from explanations that involve causes external to the person. Second, within the internal/external categories, causes that are presumed to be relatively stable are distinguished from causes that are presumed to be more easily variable. This paper outlines the theoretical arguments that underlie the attributional framework's four-fold classification of answers, describes the issues that arise in the process of coding the respondents' answers, and presents two sets of items (complete with their attributional codings) that can be used to make specific identifications of attributions from the open-ended responses. The attributional framework is compared to more traditional qualitative methods for evaluating the open-ended responses of nascent entrepreneurs. Proposals are made for using the open-ended responses from nascent entrepreneurs In other ways. Suggestions are offered for how the results of the attributional coding scheme might be used in future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Kelly G. Shaver & William B. Gartner & Elizabeth Crosby & Karolina Bakalarova & Elizabeth J. Gatewood, 2001. "Attributions about Entrepreneurship: A Framework and Process for Analyzing Reasons for Starting a Business," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 26(2), pages 5-28, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:26:y:2001:i:2:p:5-28
    DOI: 10.1177/104225870102600201
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    References listed on IDEAS

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