Sociology
Most studies of academic entrepreneurship are based on ideas and tools from fields such as economics, sociology, strategy, and public policy. Most of this research focuses on institutional, economic, and demographic variables from a macro perspective, rather than examining micro processes that may be associated with academic entrepreneurship. The literature also tends to stress formal, as opposed to informal, mechanisms of academic entrepreneurship. We assert that a consideration of various micro-level processes is also useful for improving our understanding of academic entrepreneurship. We draw heavily on the organizational behavior literature to consider how identity, motivation, leadership/championing, education, work-life balance, and organizational justice, may help explain the propensity of scientists to engage in academic entrepreneurship. We present some preliminary qualitative findings that support this perspective.