Entrepreneurship: an assimilated multi-perspective review

Entrepreneurship is a prominent area of inquiry which is enriched by a substantial literature base and challenged by definitional deficiencies. As multiple perspectives of entrepreneurship have emerged, the question of an integrated theory of entrepreneurship has arisen. Yet, given the range of perspectives of entrepreneurship, this may be unachievable or create further challenges. Alternatively, this paper proposes a holistic approach to entrepreneurship. This holistic approach advocates the inclusion and recognition of the multiple perspectives of entrepreneurship, without the requirement for integration and any resultant compromise or concession. This has been achieved through the evaluation and synthesis of existing entrepreneurship literature, which was assessed against standing entrepreneurship conceptualizations. Existing models were synthesized and extended to develop an inclusive model, from which the proposition of a holistic approach emerged. This can facilitate the continued enlargement of the entrepreneurship field, while informing the conceptual parameters of the field and allow for interdisciplinary research without conceding entrepreneurship's claim as a distinct field of study. The discussion of this perspective of entrepreneurship allowed for future research opportunities to be identified. The exploitation of these research opportunities can potentially enrich the entrepreneurship field through a more nuanced understanding of innovation, entrepreneurial teams and entrepreneurial leadership.