Entrepreneurial learning under uncertainty: exploring the role of self-efficacy and perceived complexity. Issue 7 (7th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Markowska, Magdalena; Wiklund, Johan
• Is Part Of: Entrepreneurship and regional development. Volume 32:Issue 7/8(2020)
• Page Start: 606
• Page End: 628
• Publication Date: 2020-08-07
• Subjects: Case study -- entrepreneurs -- learning -- self-efficacy -- theory development; Industrial promotion -- Periodicals; Entrepreneurship -- Periodicals; Regional planning -- Periodicals; 338.04
• DOI: 10.1080/08985626.2020.1713222
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0898-5626

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The entrepreneurial learning literature remains underdeveloped and lacks a clear understanding of the learning process. Building on an in-depth case study of four Scandinavian gourmet restauranteurs, we argue that learning to act on entrepreneurial tasks involves opening-up and focusing processes. We propose a process model that specifies how changing perceptions of complexity and self-efficacy influence an individual's preference for experimentation ( opening up ) and modelling ( focusing ) when acquiring new experience. Specifically, in situations perceived as complex, individuals will likely opt for modelling; however, individuals who feel highly self-efficacious will likely rely more on experimentation.