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Decoding evidence-based entrepreneurship: A systematic review of meta-analytic choices and reporting

Rauch, Andreas; Saeed, Saadat; Frese, Michael

Decoding evidence-based entrepreneurship: A systematic review of meta-analytic choices and reporting Thumbnail


Authors

Andreas Rauch

Michael Frese



Abstract

Meta-analysis—the statistical analysis of a large collection of analysis results from individual studies for the purpose of integrating the findings substantially contributes to paradigm development in the field of entrepreneurship. Notably, a number of choices are made when conducting a meta-analysis. Many of these choices have implications for the interpretation of the results, affecting one of the core aims of meta-analysis, that is, to generate generalizable best evidence. To better understand meta-analysis evidence in the field of entrepreneurship it is essential to understand how these meta-analyses are conducted, what type of methodological choices have been made and communicated, and how these choices affect the interpretation of findings. To address these issues, we performed a content analysis of 90 meta-analyses up to 2021 and investigate 74 methodological choices made by the authors. We identify and offer suggestions for future practice in seven areas: the study location strategy, the use of a second coding, the assessment of heterogeneity, multivariate analysis, quality checks, the violation of assumptions, and the interpretation of meta-analytical findings. In so doing, we hope to contribute to best practices and to the legitimacy of validity generalization in the domain of entrepreneurship research. Moreover, we provide a comprehensive and evidence-based understanding of the interpretation and implications of meta-analysis practices for theory building and testing and scholarly impact.

Citation

Rauch, A., Saeed, S., & Frese, M. (online). Decoding evidence-based entrepreneurship: A systematic review of meta-analytic choices and reporting. Journal of Small Business Management, https://doi.org/10.1080/00472778.2024.2411246

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Sep 26, 2024
Online Publication Date Nov 6, 2024
Deposit Date Oct 14, 2024
Publicly Available Date Nov 6, 2024
Journal Journal of Small Business Management
Print ISSN 0047-2778
Electronic ISSN 1540-627X
Publisher Taylor and Francis Group
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/00472778.2024.2411246
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2919309