The role of ego-centred networks in entrepreneurship

Abstract

The thesis analyses the role of ego-centred networks in different entrepreneurial contexts. Based on the embeddedness approach, it merges different strands of research from social-cognitive theory, network research and institutional economics. As a result of recombining these approaches, hypotheses are derived and tested. The following three main thematic fields are addressed empirically: a) the interplay between institutional backgrounds and networks, b) effects of ego-centred social networks on social-cognitive variables such as entrepreneurial self-efficacy as well as c) gender aspects related to entrepreneurship and social networks. In order to examine these topics, both secondary data analyses and an own online survey were conducted.