Article in Entrepreneurship Research Journal on Entrepreneurial Culture

A new paper Uncovering the cultural beliefs in a nascent entrepreneurial ecosystem was accepted for publication in the Entrepreneurial Research Journal. This paper was coauthored with Dr. Onnolee Nordstrom of NDSU examines the shared mental models of entrepreneurship within a local startup community. We use a novel approach to measure and analyze mental models using Cultural Consensus Analysis and Social Network Analysis.  We were primarily interested in how nascent ecosystems' cultural beliefs differ from mature ecosystems. This study was conducted in Fargo, ND and was part of a research grant I was awarded by the Marion Kauffman Foundation.  This is the first published paper from this grant and we are excited to see it get published. 
You can read the full version here:
www.researchgate.net/publication/344787220_Uncovering_cultural_beliefs_in_a_nascent_entrepreneurial_ecosystem

ABSTRACT
​In this paper, we use Cultural Consensus as a theory and methodology and collect and analyze individuals' mental models of entrepreneurship. This novel approach, combined with social network analysis, allows us to empirically study the shared cultural beliefs present within a nascent EE. Based on this case, we determine that, in contrast to mature ecosystems, the cultural beliefs within this nascent entrepreneurial ecosystem clearly prioritize action and behavioral elements over individual characteristics or entrepreneurial-related outcomes. Thus, our study suggests that the cultural beliefs within early ecosystems are different than the cultural beliefs that underpin mature ecosystems. We discuss implications and future research related to these findings and this approach.