New dissertation urges rethinking some of the common assumptions in theory and methods applied in entrepreneurship

In his doctoral thesis, M.Sc. (Econ) Reza Yamini examined generally accepted assumptions in theory and methods applied in entrepreneurship. The dissertation critiques the dominant view that being entrepreneurial means showing a fixed set of traits such as innovativeness and risk-taking, and offers a broader perspective, showing that being entrepreneurial depends on context and goals. The research also highlights the importance of learning, adaptability, and resourcefulness in entrepreneurship.

Common Assumptions in Theory

Reza Yamini’s dissertation critiques the dominant view that being entrepreneurial means showing a fixed set of traits such as innovativeness and risk-taking. This narrow approach, often guided by the Entrepreneurial Orientation framework, oversimplifies the reality of entrepreneurship in research and practice.

“This dissertation offers a broader perspective, showing that being entrepreneurial depends on context and goals,” says Yamini. “For example, it highlights the importance of learning, adaptability, and resourcefulness, and indicates that different contexts may require different combinations of these qualities.”

Common Assumptions in Methods

In his doctoral dissertation, Reza Yamini examines some of the methods used to study entrepreneurship. It shows that specific statistical techniques can give misleading results when misused. It also explains that measurement models should match the concept being studied, but this is not always the case. Sometimes models are used without checking whether the model or its assumptions fit the idea.

“To address these problems, the dissertation shows how current methods can be improved and suggests more defensible approaches, such as tracking changes over time, which better capture how growth intention and actual growth influence each other,” says Yamini.

Together, these contributions provide a more nuanced and context-sensitive understanding of entrepreneurship.

“By challenging simplified assumptions in both theory and method used in entrepreneurship research, the dissertation advances how being entrepreneurial is conceptualized and measured,” says Yamini.

M.Sc. (Econ) Reza Yamini defends his doctoral dissertation in Strategy and Entrepreneurship titled "Being Entrepreneurial: Conceptual and Methodological Considerations for Theory and Measurement in Entrepreneurship Research" on August 14, 2025, from 12:00 to 15:00. The public examination will take place in the auditorium S212, Seminarium building (Seminaarinkatu 15), University of Jyväskylä. The opponent is Professor Markku Maula (Aalto University), and the custos is Associate Professor Mikko Rönkkö (University of Jyväskylä).

The event is held in English.

Read Reza Yamini’s dissertation in the JYX digital repository.