A comprehensive model for determining the role of entrepreneurial decision-making in recognition and evaluation of opportunities: a meta-synthesis review

In recent years, many researchers have examined the role of entrepreneurs’ decision-making in evaluation and recognition of opportunities. Despite the diversity and abundance of research works, no comprehensive conceptual model has so far been developed. Using Noblit and Hare’s (1988) meta-synthesis approach, 35 studies were reviewed and coded to design the research model. Causal conditions of entrepreneurs’ decisions were synthesized to evaluate and recognize opportunities. Decision-making strategies were also added to the model. This model presents the underlying variables, causal conditions, intervening variables, and outcomes of entrepreneurs’ opportunity evaluation and recognition decisions. Researchers can validate the present model and use it as a comprehensive framework and useful roadmap for implementing data mining methods in various areas of entrepreneurial decision-making.