Routinization propensity and high-quality new venture ideas: an unexpected synergy

Purpose The objective of this research is to examine the influence of entrepreneurs' routinization propensity (RP), in conjunction with cognitive and environmental factors, on the generation of high-quality new venture ideas (NVIs). Design/methodology/approach This research employed a three-phase methodology. In Phase 1, a RP measurement scale was developed using data from Amazon MTurk, with exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, model fit statistics and Cronbach's alpha applied to establish the construct. Phase 2 involved empirical testing of hypotheses with graduate entrepreneurship students from three universities, analyzed through regression analysis. In Phase 3, the results were validated using data from practicing entrepreneurs in Nepal, with regression analysis used to assess the data. Findings Entrepreneurs with high RP generated high-quality NVIs under high creative self-efficacy (CSE) conditions and low environmental hostility conditions. Furthermore, under high environmental hostility conditions, entrepreneurs with high CSE generated higher quality NVIs. Practical implications Entrepreneurs can use these findings to balance routinization with CSE to enhance innovation, while policymakers can design targeted educational programs and supportive policies to foster a more innovative and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem. This study holds particular relevance for entrepreneurs operating in resource-constrained or hostile environments, where routinized behaviors may provide cognitive and operational efficiency for ideation. Originality/value This research combines social cognitive theory (SCT) with routinization literature to explore how RP interacts with CSE and environmental hostility. The research contributes to literature by developing a new measurement scale for RP, reconciling previous findings, and providing fresh theoretical and practical insights into entrepreneurial processes.