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

Rauch, Andreas; Saeed, Saadat; Frese, Michael

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