Theoretical approaches to entrepreneurial behavior: a bibliometric study

Abstract

Research on entrepreneurship often results in innovations and new business development, contributing to entrepreneurs, as well as investors, governments and educators, being able to improve their performances. Given the growing academic interest in entrepreneurial behavior, several authors have pointed out the need to systematize literature on the subject. This article addresses this gap, focusing on the following approaches: Effectuation, Bricolage, Co-creation, Exaptation, and Improvisation. The methodological approach is hybrid, combining bibliometrics, network analysis and content analysis. The sample analyzed consisted of 297 articles, indexed in the ISI Web of Science database, published between 2001 and 2018. Results revealed that 77.8% of articles were published in the last five years, confirming the growth trend; Saras Sarasvathy, who confronted classical theories consonant with Causation by developing the theory of Effectuation, is the highest impact author; the scientific production is concentrated in the USA, England and Sweden, pointing to research opportunities in Brazil; research trends involve the study of entrepreneurial behavior in contexts such as small business, complex systems, innovation ecosystems and sustainable and social development.

Keywords

• Entrepreneurship
• Entrepreneurial behavior
• Entrepreneurial action