The harmonized model of entrepreneurial process: 32 into one will go

This paper is, effectively, a ‘short version’ of an article now published as: Hindle, K. (2010a). Skillful dreaming: testing a general model of entrepreneurial process with a specific narrative of venture creation. Entrepreneurial Narrative: Theory, Ethnomethodology and Reflexivity. Vol. 1, 97-136. The study offers the field a parsimonious but comprehensive model of entrepreneurial process that incorporates the best features while eliminating the worst elements of the 32 extant entrepreneurial process models now competing for research scholars’ attention. The harmonized MEP emphasises evaluation (the investigation of opportunity resulting in a viable business model), commitment (to implementation) and management (of implementation) as the three key components of entrepreneurial process. The harmonized model embraces the arguments embodied in all 32 extant entrepreneurial models in the literature, as examined by Moroz and Hindle (forthcoming). In particular a ‘harmonizing’ model has the capacity to recognize and reconcile the claims of the causal (Shane and Venkataraman 2000), effectual (Sarasvathy 2001) and bricolage (Baker and Nelson 2005) approaches to understanding entrepreneurial process not as contending logics, but as contingent, contextually defined logics of venture creation.