Researching entrepreneurship: an approach to develop subjective understanding

Purpose Entrepreneurship is a complex social activity. Hence, knowledge production in the field requires inclusivity and diversity within research approaches perspectives to appreciate richness of phenomenon. However, dominance positivist visible, current qualitative also predominantly restricted popular templates. This seems have limited understanding entrepreneurship. paper critically discusses appropriateness interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) as an innovative methodology that facilitates fuller appreciation Design/methodology/approach conceptual evaluates IPA's relevance for stated purpose by reviewing both entrepreneurship IPA literature. It how philosophical underpinnings facilitate scholars wholeness phenomenon provides literature informed data guidance, thereby addressing some weaknesses field. Findings Critical evaluation suggests appropriate has potential address interesting timely questions elaborate, deepen qualify existing theory or study relatively unexplored areas The laid-out guidance helps develop rationale their decisions ensure quality rigour research. Originality/value promotes people make sense experience valid way knowing. unique identity it incorporates phenomenology, hermeneutics idiography explore first-hand human uncover clear justifications promote scholarly confidence preconceptions related rigour, validity studies. Incorporating into entrepreneurship, contributes demand diversity, pluralism approaches.