The role of interpersonal trust and vigilance in the process of entrepreneurial opportunity recognition using social networks

This research examines the roles that an entrepreneurs dispositions to interpersonal trust, and vigilance play in the process of opportunity recognition. An entrepreneurs use of social networks as a resource in opportunity recognition is also examined. The basis of this investigation was an empirical study of information and communication technology (ICT) entrepreneurs in Queensland, Australia. A series of twelve hypotheses were developed and tested in this research. Despite a modest sample size support was found for six of the hypothesised relationships. An entrepreneurs disposition to both trust and vigilance were found effect the outcomes of their opportunity identification behaviours. A disposition to excess vigilance inhibited the development of entrepreneurial opportunities. While, an extended social network and a trusting disposition were seen to facilitate the development of entrepreneurial opportunities.