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Cognitive Constructions of Low–Profit and High–Profit Business Models: A Repertory Grid Study of Serial Entrepreneurs

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  • Malin Malmström
  • Jeaneth Johansson
  • Joakim Wincent

Abstract

This study shows how the repertory grid methodology can be used to understand entrepreneurs’ cognitive construction of business models and evidence of entrepreneurs’ differential cognition of high–profit and low–profit business models. We show that entrepreneurs are more cognitively complex and more nuanced in constructing high–profit business models than low–profit business models. Furthermore, although they are perceived as meaningful, low–profit business models are characterized by relatively less clear cognitive constructions. This study suggests that the repertory grid technique may be useful for future research and entrepreneurship practice to understand the entrepreneurial cognition of business models.

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  • Malin Malmström & Jeaneth Johansson & Joakim Wincent, 2015. "Cognitive Constructions of Low–Profit and High–Profit Business Models: A Repertory Grid Study of Serial Entrepreneurs," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 39(5), pages 1083-1109, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:39:y:2015:i:5:p:1083-1109
    DOI: 10.1111/etap.12096
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Jan Abrahamsson & Håkan Boter & Vladimir Vanyushyn, 2019. "Business model innovation of international new ventures: An empirical study in a Swedish context," Journal of International Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 75-102, March.
    3. Melodi Botha & Alex Bignotti, 2017. "Exploring moderators in the relationship between cognitive adaptability and entrepreneurial intention: findings from South Africa," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 13(4), pages 1069-1095, December.
    4. Agnes Asemokha & Jackson Musona & Lasse Torkkeli & Sami Saarenketo, 2019. "Business model innovation and entrepreneurial orientation relationships in SMEs: Implications for international performance," Journal of International Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 17(3), pages 425-453, September.
    5. Jianyu Zhao & Yining Huang & Xi Xi & Shanshan Wang, 2021. "How knowledge heterogeneity influences business model design: mediating effects of strategic learning and bricolage," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 17(2), pages 889-919, June.
    6. Malmström, Malin & Voitkane, Aija & Johansson, Jeaneth & Wincent, Joakim, 2020. "What do they think and what do they say? Gender bias, entrepreneurial attitude in writing and venture capitalists’ funding decisions," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 13(C).
    7. Rodgers, Waymond & Al Shammakhi, Badriya N. & Jeaneth, Johansson & Wincent, Joakim & Adams, Kweku, 2020. "DIY Entrepreneurship: a decision-pathway framework for ethical thought structures," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    8. Yuan Jing, 2022. "The Relationship Between Business Model Innovation and Operational Performance of Incubator Enterprise," International Journal of Science and Business, IJSAB International, vol. 16(1), pages 153-191.
    9. Jeaneth Johansson & Malin Malmström & Joakim Wincent, 2021. "Sustainable Investments in Responsible SMEs: That’s What’s Distinguish Government VCs from Private VCs," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-22, January.
    10. Melodi Botha & Alex Bignotti, 0. "Exploring moderators in the relationship between cognitive adaptability and entrepreneurial intention: findings from South Africa," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 0, pages 1-27.
    11. Dinesh Panchal & Bala Krishnamoorthy, 2019. "Developing an Instrument for Business Model Dimensions: Exploring Linkages with Firm Competitiveness," International Journal of Global Business and Competitiveness, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 24-41, December.

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