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Systematic Search and Its Relationship to Firm Founding

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  • Pankaj C. Patel
  • James O. Fiet

Abstract

This research uses a representative sample of U.S. nascent entrepreneurs to find that there is a positive relationship between their use of systematic search and their success in founding new firms. We control for mediating variables and find that searching systematically leverages firm founding by using an adaptive decision–making style and social capital. Systematic search also appears to reduce environmental uncertainty, which has additional important implications for aspiring entrepreneurs. Finally, this research suggests possible lines of future inquiry.

Suggested Citation

  • Pankaj C. Patel & James O. Fiet, 2009. "Systematic Search and Its Relationship to Firm Founding," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 33(2), pages 501-526, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:33:y:2009:i:2:p:501-526
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6520.2009.00301.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Andries, Petra & Clarysse, Bart & Costa, Sergio, 2021. "Technology ventures' engagement of external actors in the search for viable market applications: On the relevance of Technology Broadcasting and Systematic Validation," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 36(6).
    2. Per Davidsson & Scott Gordon, 2012. "Panel studies of new venture creation: a methods-focused review and suggestions for future research," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 39(4), pages 853-876, November.
    3. Patrick M. Kreiser & Pankaj C. Patel & James O. Fiet, 2013. "The Influence of Changes in Social Capital on Firm–Founding Activities," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 37(3), pages 539-567, May.
    4. Pablo Ruiz-Palomino & Ricardo Martínez-Cañas, 2021. "From opportunity recognition to the start-up phase: the moderating role of family and friends-based entrepreneurial social networks," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 17(3), pages 1159-1182, September.
    5. Fultz, Andrew E.F. & Hmieleski, Keith M., 2021. "The art of discovering and exploiting unexpected opportunities: The roles of organizational improvisation and serendipity in new venture performance," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 36(4).
    6. Russell S. Sobel & J. R. Clark, 2018. "The use of knowledge in technology entrepreneurship: A theoretical foundation," The Review of Austrian Economics, Springer;Society for the Development of Austrian Economics, vol. 31(2), pages 195-207, June.
    7. Wang, Ming-Chao & Chen, Pei-Chen & Fang, Shih-Chieh, 2018. "A critical view of knowledge networks and innovation performance: The mediation role of firms' knowledge integration capability," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 222-233.
    8. Nerine Mary George & Vinit Parida & Tom Lahti & Joakim Wincent, 2016. "A systematic literature review of entrepreneurial opportunity recognition: insights on influencing factors," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 12(2), pages 309-350, June.
    9. Tata, Amulya & Martinez, Daniella Laureiro & Garcia, David & Oesch, Adrian & Brusoni, Stefano, 2017. "The psycholinguistics of entrepreneurship," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 7(C), pages 38-44.
    10. Yeganegi, Sepideh & Laplume, André O. & Dass, Parshotam, 2021. "The role of information availability: A longitudinal analysis of technology entrepreneurship," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 170(C).
    11. Pindard-Lejarraga, Maud & Lejarraga, José, 2024. "Information source and entrepreneurial performance expectations: Experience-based versus description-based opportunity evaluations," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 172(C).
    12. Wincent, Joakim & Thorgren, Sara & Anokhin, Sergey, 2014. "Entrepreneurial orientation and network board diversity in network organizations," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 29(2), pages 327-344.
    13. Pankaj C. Patel & James O. Fiet, 2011. "Knowledge Combination and the Potential Advantages of Family Firms in Searching for Opportunities," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 35(6), pages 1179-1197, November.
    14. Saddam Khalid, 2018. "Being There: The Role of Mindfulness in the Entrepreneurial Process," Discussion Papers in Economics and Business 18-18, Osaka University, Graduate School of Economics.
    15. Johann Peter Murmann & Deepak Sardana, 2013. "Successful entrepreneurs minimize risk," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 38(1), pages 191-215, April.
    16. Eric Shaunn Mattingly & Trayan Kushev, 2016. "Most New Businesses Fail, but Mine Won’t…Right?," Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Emerging Economies, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, vol. 25(1), pages 70-88, March.
    17. Per Davidsson & Scott R. Gordon, 2016. "Much Ado about Nothing? The Surprising Persistence of Nascent Entrepreneurs through Macroeconomic Crisis," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 40(4), pages 915-941, July.
    18. Eric Gedajlovic & Benson Honig & Curt B. Moore & G. Tyge Payne & Mike Wright, 2013. "Social Capital and Entrepreneurship: A Schema and Research Agenda," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 37(3), pages 455-478, May.
    19. Zaefarian, Reza & Eng, Teck-Yong & Tasavori, Misagh, 2016. "An exploratory study of international opportunity identification among family firms," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(1), pages 333-345.

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