Approaches to validity in entrepreneurship research

This paper argues that research in entrepreneurship is a fraught process. Firstly, concepts of validity are paradigmatically framed. Secondly, the paradigms of research within entrepreneurship are still being argued and are the subject of much debate. Finally, the 'quality' of research is being determined by those at the leading edge of their own paradigm without reference to other points of view. We argue that these sub-processes of determining the validity of research outcomes are a challenge to the 'discipline' of entrepreneurship research (ER) and that ER is at risk of becoming too narrowly focussed. Furthermore, we believe this is limiting ER's potential to contribute to the broader domain of business research.