Embracing digital networks: Entrepreneurs' social capital online

• Published in: Journal of business venturing Vol. 32; no. 1; pp. 18 - 34
• Main Authors: Smith, Claudia, Smith, J. Brock, Shaw, Eleanor
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.01.2017
• Subjects: Affordances; Entrepreneurial process; Networks; Social capital; Social media; Entrepreneurial process; Networks; Affordances; Social media; Social capital
• ISSN: 0883-9026; 1873-2003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusvent.2016.10.003

This paper presents a research agenda for understanding how entrepreneurs accrue social capital in the digital age. We develop a conceptual framework with 12 research propositions that specify how the unique technical capabilities of social network sites impact entrepreneurs' bridging and bonding social capital online. These propositions are informed by anecdotal evidence from founders that finds entrepreneurs' social capital accrual differs online. We include theoretical and methodological insights for overcoming research challenges concerning context dynamism, intertwined networks, and unclear behavioral norms. This agenda addresses a growing gap between contemporary entrepreneurial practices and existing social capital theory and research in entrepreneurship. •Entrepreneurs' social capital accrual is found to differ in the online context.•These differences result from entrepreneurs' use of social network site features and affordances.•Key action mechanisms explain these accrual differences for entrepreneurs.•A research agenda of 12 propositions incorporating these mechanisms is presented.•The research agenda expands entrepreneur social capital theory to encompass the online context.