Bounded emotionality in entrepreneurship: an alternative framework

Thomas, K.J.D. and Wickramasinghe, D. (2008) Bounded emotionality in entrepreneurship: an alternative framework. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research, 14(4), pp. 242-258. (doi: 10.1108/13552550810887408)

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Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to advocate the employment of “bounded emotionality”, as borrowed from organisational studies on emotionality, as an alternative framework to examine and understand entrepreneurial behaviour and practice. <p/>Design/methodology/approach – The authors review the debate and trends in entrepreneurship research with particular regard to structure and agency. They then argue that the application of Mumby and Putnam's concept of “bounded emotionality” strengthens the critical tradition and particularly contributes to that strand which utilises Giddens' structuration theory by explicitly treating the emotional aspects of entrepreneurial behaviour that operate outside the consciousness of individual agency. <p/>Findings – The adoption of an alternative methodological framework, involving “bounded emotionality”, within a broad socio-cutural and political-economic perspective, can assist policy makers to rethink their generalised approach to the design and implementation of specific programmes and initiatives to support entrepreneurial development in favour of devising alternative approaches to fit particular contexts and localised settings. <p/>Research limitations/implications – This theoretical paper contributes to the critical debate in entrepreneurial research, which advocates the need for an alternative, more socialised approach that attempts to account for the relationship between social structure and individual entrepreneurial action. <p/>Originality/value – The paper contains the first attempt to apply the concept of “bounded rationality” to entrepreneurship research.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Wickramasinghe, Professor Danture
Authors: Thomas, K.J.D., and Wickramasinghe, D.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Accounting and Finance
Journal Name:International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research
ISSN:1355-2554

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