Journal of Business Venturing Insights

Why Believe? The Promise of Research on the Role of Religion in Entrepreneurial Action

Smith, Conger, McMullen, and Neubert, 2019


Religion is one of the most pervasive and central topics in society. However, its relative neglect by entrepreneurship research leads to an insufficient understanding of entrepreneurial action. To address this gap, we build on boundary theory and the psychology of religion to develop a sketch of the role of religion in entrepreneurial action, including its antecedents and outcomes. Finally, we suggest a number of theoretical perspectives (identity, sensemaking, and boundary) and research questions that may further advance research on religion and entrepreneurship.


Citation

Smith, B. R., Conger, M. J., McMullen, J. S., & Neubert, M. J. 2019. Why Believe? The Promise of Research on the Role of Religion in Entrepreneurial Action. Journal of Business Venturing Insights, 11: e00119.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbvi.2019.e00119