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The Influence of Generative AI on Entrepreneurial Decision-Making : A Study on Effectuation in SMEs
Yassine, Zoubair (2025) The Influence of Generative AI on Entrepreneurial Decision-Making : A Study on Effectuation in SMEs.
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| Abstract: | Recent literature on effectuation highlights the need for greater investigation into the various antecedents that influence how entrepreneurs deal with uncertainty. Grégoire and Cherchem (2019) called for further research into the aspects that may drive entrepreneurs to use effectual reasoning. In response, this research investigates the ways and degree to which generative AI, specifically, ChatGPT, can assist expert entrepreneurs to make effectual decisions. A qualitative approach was applied, including semi-structured interviews and and the addition of two surveys for a mixed method approach. Even though the initial plan was aimed at novice entrepreneurs, the focus was shifted to expert entrepreneurs to gain deeper, more valid insights into effectual decision-making. The findings reveal that effectual logic was applied most frequently, particularly in the early and scaling phases, with generative AI playing a fascilitating role in opportunity recognition and resource-based improvisation. Depending on the context, entrepreneurs alternated between logics, with causal logic appearing more often in the maturity stage. This suggests that AI can facilitate the hybrid application of causal and effectual logic. Given that generative AI was frequently described by the expert entrepreneurs as an internal resource used to act flexibly in times of uncertainty, this study recommends a revision of the Means Orientation sub-dimensions. Along with "Who I Am," "What I Know," and "Whom I Know," the data supports the addition of a fourth means orientation sub-dimension named "What I Have." This refers to digital means (technologies), such as generative AI, that are now essential to entrepreneurial activity. Incorporating this new dimension would modernise Sarasvathy's original model, better reflecting today's digital entrepreneurial context. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | Business Administration MSc (60644) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/107253 |
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