Signaling Theory in Entrepreneurship Research: A Systematic Review and Research Agenda

J. Bafera, S. Kleinert*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal(Systematic) Review article peer-review

Abstract

A rapidly expanding body of entrepreneurship literature draws on signaling theory. Yet as the field grows, common understanding of the theory's underlying constructs has become increasingly fuzzy and riddled with ambiguities. To establish a common ground for entrepreneurship scholars, we take stock of 172 articles in a systematic literature review and develop a taxonomy of signal constructs. In an effort to increase the clarity of signal constructs further, we apply this taxonomy to assess the signal constructs' boundary conditions, relationships, and interplays with complementary theories in entrepreneurship contexts. Finally, we leverage the novel insights to identify promising opportunities for further theory-based developments in the field.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2419-2464
Number of pages46
JournalEntrepreneurship Theory and Practice
Volume47
Issue number6
Early online date1 Dec 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2023

Keywords

  • entrepreneurship
  • literature review
  • new ventures
  • signaling theory
  • construct clarity
  • INFORMATION ASYMMETRY
  • VENTURE CAPITALIST
  • MORAL HAZARD
  • FOREIGN IPOS
  • VISUAL CUES
  • FIRMS
  • MANAGEMENT
  • LEGITIMACY
  • SUCCESS
  • IMPACT

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