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Untangling the Intuition Mess: Intuition as a Construct in Entrepreneurship Research

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  • J. Robert Mitchell
  • Paul N. Friga
  • Ronald K. Mitchell

Abstract

Entrepreneurs often use intuition to explain their actions. But because entrepreneurial intuition is poorly defined in the research literature: the “intuitive†is confused with the “innate,†what is systematic is overlooked, and unexplained variance in entrepreneurial behavior remains high. Herein we: (1) bound and define the construct of entrepreneurial intuition within the distinctive domain of entrepreneurship research; (2) apply a levels–of–consciousness logic and process dynamism approach to; (3) organize definitions, antecedents, and consequences; and (4) produce propositions that lead to a working definition of entrepreneurial intuition. Our analysis renders intuition more usable in entrepreneurship research, and more valuable in practice.

Suggested Citation

  • J. Robert Mitchell & Paul N. Friga & Ronald K. Mitchell, 2005. "Untangling the Intuition Mess: Intuition as a Construct in Entrepreneurship Research," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 29(6), pages 653-679, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:29:y:2005:i:6:p:653-679
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6520.2005.00102.x
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    2. Christophe Bonnet & Peter Wirtz, 2011. "Investor Type, Cognitive Governance and Performance in Young Entrepreneurial Ventures:A Conceptual Framework," Working Papers CREGO 1110301, Université de Bourgogne - CREGO EA7317 Centre de recherches en gestion des organisations.
    3. Omonigho Simon Umukoro & David Efevogho Okurame, 2017. "Exogenous determinants of entrepreneurial intuition and the mediatory role of psychological capital among potential youth entrepreneurs," Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Springer;UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurship, vol. 7(1), pages 1-13, December.
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    6. Zellweger, Thomas & Zenger, Todd, 2022. "Entrepreneurs as scientists, Bayesian inference, and belief revision," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 18(C).
    7. Mohammad Fakhar Manesh & Giulia Flamini & Damiano Petrolo & Rocco Palumbo, 2022. "A round of dancing and then one more: embedding intuition in the ballet of entrepreneurial decision making," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 18(2), pages 499-528, June.
    8. Pidduck, Robert J. & Townsend, David M. & Busenitz, Lowell W., 2024. "Non-probabilistic reasoning in navigating entrepreneurial uncertainty: A psychology of religious faith lens," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 39(4).
    9. C. Troise & D. Matricano & E. Candelo & L. Schjoedt, 2022. "A ten-year cross-national examination of the dance between intuition and rationality in entrepreneurial processes," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 18(2), pages 663-692, June.
    10. Allal-Chérif, Oihab & Costa Climent, Juan & Ulrich Berenguer, Klaus Jurgen, 2023. "Born to be sustainable: How to combine strategic disruption, open innovation, and process digitization to create a sustainable business," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
    11. Hadjielias, Elias & (Lola) Dada, Olufunmilola & Discua Cruz, Allan & Zekas, Stavros & Christofi, Michael & Sakka, Georgia, 2021. "How do digital innovation teams function? Understanding the team cognition-process nexus within the context of digital transformation," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 373-386.
    12. Pérez-Centeno, Victor, 2018. "Brain-driven entrepreneurship research: Expanded review and research agenda towards entrepreneurial enhancement," Working Papers 02/18, Institut für Mittelstandsforschung (IfM) Bonn.
    13. Wood, Matthew S. & McKelvie, Alexander & Haynie, J. Michael, 2014. "Making it personal: Opportunity individuation and the shaping of opportunity beliefs," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 29(2), pages 252-272.
    14. Christian Linder & Michael Nippa, 2019. "Jumping in at the deep end! The role of motivational forces in starting a new venture," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 15(4), pages 1363-1391, December.
    15. Somnuk Aujirapongpan & Yaninee Songkajorn & Yuttachai Hareebin & Sirichai Deelers & Jaturon Jutidharabongse, 2020. "Indicators of strategic intuition for SMEs' entrepreneurs: evidence from Thailand," Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 8(2), pages 51-63, December.
    16. Matthew S. Wood & David W. Williams, 2014. "Opportunity Evaluation as Rule-Based Decision Making," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 51(4), pages 573-602, June.
    17. Warnick, Benjamin J. & Kier, Alexander S. & LaFrance, Emily M. & Cuttler, Carrie, 2021. "Head in the clouds? Cannabis users' creativity in new venture ideation depends on their entrepreneurial passion and experience," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 36(2).
    18. Karagiannis, Dimitris & Metaxas, Theodore, 2015. "Culinary Tourism in Greece: Can the past define the future? A comparative analysis by using 10 case studies," MPRA Paper 66846, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    19. Wiltbank, Robert & Read, Stuart & Dew, Nicholas & Sarasvathy, Saras D., 2009. "Prediction and control under uncertainty: Outcomes in angel investing," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 24(2), pages 116-133, March.
    20. Ekaterina Y. Litau, 2019. "Concept of entrepreneurship anti-ideology," Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 7(2), pages 1308-1318, December.
    21. Dayan, Mumin & Di Benedetto, C. Anthony, 2011. "Team intuition as a continuum construct and new product creativity: The role of environmental turbulence, team experience, and stress," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 40(2), pages 276-286, March.
    22. Frank M. Fossen & Levent Neyse, 2024. "Entrepreneurship, Management, and Cognitive Reflection: A Preregistered Replication Study With Extensions," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 48(4), pages 1082-1109, July.
    23. Blume, Brian D. & Covin, Jeffrey G., 2011. "Attributions to intuition in the venture founding process: Do entrepreneurs actually use intuition or just say that they do?," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 26(1), pages 137-151, January.
    24. Ksenia Podoynitsyna & Hans Van der Bij & Michael Song, 2012. "The Role of Mixed Emotions in the Risk Perception of Novice and Serial Entrepreneurs," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 36(1), pages 115-140, January.

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