Sociological and Organizational Perspectives on Entrepreneurship
Mary Tripsas
HBS 4355
This course surveys contemporary research in organization theory as it relates to innovation and entrepreneurship. We will cover a broad spectrum of literature, although we do not incorporate papers with a primary focus in economics and finance. Course readings have roots in one or more of the following broad theoretical areas: evolutionary theory, organizational ecology, institutional theory, and psychology. We will examine two broad themes: 1) Opportunities: What factors affect the identification, evaluation and exploitation of opportunities? What are the sources of entrepreneurship? And 2) New industry / category emergence: What factors that influence the evolution of new industries and new categories? What is the role of entrepreneurial agency in shaping nascent industries?
Schedule: February 29, March 21, March 28, April 4, April 11, April 18, and April 25.
