Entrepreneurial Social Networks and Effectuation: A Systematic Literature Review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5020/2318-0722.2025.31.e17306

Keywords:

entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial social networks, effectuation, effectual networks

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the relationships between entrepreneurial social networks and effectuation logic. A systematic literature review (SLR) was thus conducted according to the guidelines of Cochrane Collaboration (Kitchenham & Charters, 2009). Searches were carried out in the CAPES Journal Portal, using the terms “social networks” and “effectuation.” A total of 163 potentially relevant references were found, and after the selection stages, 21 articles were selected to make up the sample. These were analyzed with the aid of software such as Litmaps® and Bibliometrix®, after which a synthesis of the main findings, contributions, and gaps was conducted. The results showed that research on entrepreneurial social networks and effectuation logic is recent, with most articles published between 2019 and 2024. Furthermore, the articles that make up this SLR’s sample sought to develop a theory on the process of network formation, explored the elements present in entrepreneurial social networks, and investigated the role of networks in small businesses, emerging markets, firms' internationalization processes, among other contexts. The SLR identified scientific gaps to be explored in future research: a lack of conceptual and empirical maturity regarding the emergence and structuring of networks from an effectuation perspective; the coexistence of characteristics from both effectuation and causation approaches; understanding how network integration promotes access to entrepreneurial resources and how it influences decision-making; and, finally, the need for longitudinal and mixed-methods studies in emerging markets.

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Translation

This article is a translation in English of the article:  Redes Sociais Empreendedoras e Effectuation: Uma Revisão Sistemática da Literatura

Author Biographies

Ana Eliza Galvão Cortez, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

PhD in Management, specializing in Organizational Management (UFRN). Holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Business Administration (UFRN). Specialist in Strategic People Management from UNI-RN. Areas of interest: Organizational Theory, People Management, Organizational Strategy, Sustainable Business Development, Corporate Communication, Entrepreneurship, Women’s Entrepreneurship, and Qualitative Research Methods.

Gabriela Figueiredo Dias, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Holds a bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD in Business Administration from UFRN. Member of the Information Systems and Technology Management Research Group (GesTI). Academic interests include: Adoption of Information Technologies and Systems; Green IT/S (Green Information Technology and Systems); Organizational Behavior; and Consumer Behavior.

Fernando Antônio de Melo Pereira Lhamas, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

Adjunct professor at UFBA’s School of Business Administration. Holds a PhD in Business Administration from the School of Economics, Business Administration and Accounting at USP. Holds a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from UFRN. Permanent member of the Graduate Program in Business Administration (NPGA/UFBA).

Dinara Leslye Macedo e Silva Calazans, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Professor at Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), affiliated with the Department of Administrative Sciences (DEPAD). Permanent member of the Graduate Program in Business Administration (PPGA/UFRN) and of the Graduate Program in Public Management (PPGP/UFRN). Holds a PhD in Business Administration (PPGA/UFRN), a master’s degree in Production Engineering (PEP/UFRN), and a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition (UFRN).

Afrânio Galdino de Araújo, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Holds bachelor’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and Business Administration from UFRN, a master’s degree in Business Administration from UFRN, and a PhD in Production Engineering from UFPE. Currently a Full Professor at UFRN. Has professional experience in Business Administration, with an emphasis on Marketing, Production Management, and Strategic Management.

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Published

2025-11-10

How to Cite

CORTEZ, Ana Eliza Galvão; DIAS, Gabriela Figueiredo; LHAMAS, Fernando Antônio de Melo Pereira; CALAZANS, Dinara Leslye Macedo e Silva; ARAÚJO, Afrânio Galdino de. Entrepreneurial Social Networks and Effectuation: A Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Administrative Sciences, [S. l.], v. 31, p. 1–16, 2025. DOI: 10.5020/2318-0722.2025.31.e17306. Disponível em: https://ojs.unifor.br/rca/article/view/17306. Acesso em: 25 sep. 2026.

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Vol. 31 (2025)

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