Biological Theories
What are the Biological Theories about Entrepreneurship?
Biological theories explore the physiological, genetic, and evolutionary drivers that might predispose certain individuals to the entrepreneurial path. Here are a number of theories that could fit in this category:
Addiction Theory
Can people get hooked on entrepreneurship like a drug?
This theory suggests that the dopamine rush associated with risk-taking and business wins can create a cycle of addiction similar to substance dependence.
Birth Order Theory
Does your birth order affect your entrepreneurial potential?
Psychological research often suggests that first-borns may be more risk-averse, while later-borns might be more rebellious and prone to entrepreneurship to distinguish themselves.
Brain Parasite Theory
Is your cat helping you become an entrepreneur?
This controversial theory links the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (often found in cats) to altered human behavior. Infected individuals may exhibit higher risk-taking behavior and reduced fear of failure—key traits in entrepreneurship.
Childhood Adversity Theory
Been through a lot? Does that make you want to do more?
Adversity in early life can build resilience and a high tolerance for uncertainty, potentially equipping individuals with the "grit" needed for startup life.
Family Entrepreneurship
Families building businesses together.
This area looks at the biological and social unit of the family as the primary engine for venture creation and resource mobilization.
Genetic Theory
Are entrepreneurs born or made?
Studies on twins suggest that a portion of the variance in entrepreneurial tendency is heritable, linked to genes governing personality traits like extraversion and sensation-seeking.
Great Man Theory
Are some individuals born with very special abilities?
An older theory positing that leaders and entrepreneurs are born with inherent attributes that set them apart from the masses.
Life-Cycle and Stages Theory
Is entrepreneurship a sequence of activities that occurs over time?
Just as biological organisms age, ventures go through distinct stages of birth, growth, maturity, and decline.
Neurodiversity Theory
Do neurodiverse individuals have advantages in entrepreneurship?
Conditions such as ADHD, Dyslexia, and Autism are increasingly correlated with entrepreneurial intent, suggesting that "different wiring" may aid in opportunity recognition and non-linear thinking.
Niche Theory
Startups need to find their niche and adapt to it.
Borrowed from biology, this suggests ventures must find a specific resource space (niche) where competition is low to survive.
Physiological Theory
What if being an entrepreneur is in your body?
This examines hormones (like testosterone) and physiological responses to stress to explain why some people thrive in uncertain environments while others retreat.
Population Ecology Theory
Do organizations behave like animal or plant populations?
This macro-view focuses on environmental selection. It argues that the environment selects which organizations survive and die, regardless of individual leadership skill.
