Effectuation and bricolage

: theory antecedents in the context of flexibility (individual antecedent, empirical research among founders of healthcare start-ups)

Abstract

This study explores the area of effectuation and bricolage antecedents with an aim to define antecedents of flexibility which is a part of intrinsic motivation which makes up the personal antecedents of mentioned theories. Moreover, this study aimed at expanding current research by showing the possible antecedents for inflexibility as this research shows that in particular contexts founders need to employ this posture to prevent businesses from failing. Following an extensive literature review in which I explained the nature of both theories, their relevance for the merger, and defined the research gap I have conducted qualitative empirical research that consisted of four interviews with founders or co-founders of healthcare startups in Poland. To define my research group I have employed theoretical sampling. Interviews were later transcripted, coded, and analyzed to make sense of the data. The findings reveal possible antecedents for both flexibility and inflexibility that contribute to the understanding of effectuation and bricolage antecedents. One of the key findings points out that lack of knowledge followed by time pressure is a very likely direct antecedent for flexible actions. Moreover, research reveals areas in which founders need to employ an inflexible posture, such as when it comes to core business values. This study's findings contribute to entrepreneurship theories and include practical implications for current and future founders. Overall, the thesis provides a comprehensive analysis of effectuation and bricolage antecedents presenting valuable insights into specific contexts in which flexibility or inflexibility arises among founders and co-founders of healthcare startups in Poland.

Date of Award	25 Oct 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Szymon Wierciński (Supervisor)