Title: Interpersonal trust, vigilance and social networks roles in the process of entrepreneurial opportunity recognition

Authors: Scott R. Gordon

Addresses: Brisbane Graduate School of Business, Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane 4001, Australia

Abstract: This research examines the roles that an entrepreneur|s dispositions to interpersonal trust, and vigilance play in the process of opportunity recognition. An entrepreneur|s use of social networks as a resource in opportunity recognition is also examined. The basis of this investigation was an empirical study of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) entrepreneurs in Queensland, Australia. A series of 12 hypotheses were developed and tested in this research. Despite a modest sample size, five of the hypothesised relationships were supported. An entrepreneur|s dispositions to both trust and vigilance affected the outcomes of their opportunity identification behaviours. A disposition to excess vigilance inhibited the development of entrepreneurial opportunities. While, an extended social network and a trusting disposition were found to facilitate the development of entrepreneurial opportunities.

Keywords: entrepreneurship; opportunity recognition; social networks; interpersonal trust; vigilance; information technology; communications; ICT entrepreneurs; Australia.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2007.014390

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2007 Vol.4 No.5, pp.564 - 585

Published online: 04 Jul 2007 *

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