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The Socio–Cognitive Dynamics of Entrepreneurial Ideation

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  • Robert M. Gemmell
  • Richard J. Boland
  • David A. Kolb

Abstract

How do entrepreneurs obtain the creative ideas they need to develop innovative new products? We interviewed 32 technology entrepreneurs to generate a grounded theory as to how technology entrepreneurs use social behaviors, techniques, and cognitive processes to generate, validate, and refine ideas for new products, processes, or services. The results reveal a complex, cyclical, and recursive multilevel social process emphasizing active and social experimentation. Greatest ideational productivity occurs when “trusted partners†exchange and refine ideas through a form of shared cognition. The findings will be useful to researchers and practitioners interested in entrepreneurship, social creativity, and management team dynamics.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert M. Gemmell & Richard J. Boland & David A. Kolb, 2012. "The Socio–Cognitive Dynamics of Entrepreneurial Ideation," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 36(5), pages 1053-1073, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:36:y:2012:i:5:p:1053-1073
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6520.2011.00486.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Mitchell, J. Robert & Israelsen, Trevor L. & Mitchell, Ronald K. & Lim, Dominic S.K., 2021. "Stakeholder identification as entrepreneurial action: The social process of stakeholder enrollment in new venture emergence," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 36(6).
    2. Valentina Della Corte & Giovanna Del Gaudio, 2017. "Entrepreneurial Creativity: Sources, Processes and Implications," International Journal of Business and Management, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 12(6), pages 1-33, May.

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