The Role of Prior Entrepreneurial Exposure in the Entrepreneurial Process: A Review and Future Research Implications

Abstract

Despite considerable research, the current state regarding how and in which context prior entrepreneurial exposure impacts the entrepreneurial process is unclear. The present paper's goal is to systemize and discuss extant quantitative‐empirical research on the role of prior entrepreneurial exposure in the entrepreneurial process to clarify the current state, identify research gaps, and offer future research directions. Results from the systematic literature review of 69 quantitative‐empirical journal articles suggest that prior findings are ambiguous and theoretical shortcomings exist. We contribute to the literature by clarifying the current state and by offering directions for entrepreneurship research and practitioners promoting entrepreneurial activity.

Notes

8. To ensure readability and comprehensibility as well as to avoid redundancies, we decided to report and discuss both internal and external contingency factors within the Environment dimension.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Florian B. Zapkau

Florian B. Zapkau is a postdoctoral researcher in the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics at University of Düsseldorf.

Christian Schwens

Christian Schwens is a professor in the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics at University of Düsseldorf.

Rüdiger Kabst

Rüdiger Kabst is a professor in the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics at University of Paderborn.