What is criticized about the traditional sequential perspective on the entrepreneurial process?

The criticism of the traditional sequential perspective on the entrepreneurial process primarily revolves around its separation of variation from selective retention, which can indeed increase risk. This perspective often views entrepreneurship as a linear process where ideas are generated, screened, and then developed sequentially. However, in reality, the entrepreneurial journey involves iteration and feedback loops, where ideas are continuously modified based on market response and other contextual factors.

By treating variation (the generation of diverse ideas) and selective retention (the process of choosing the best ideas) as separate stages, the traditional model fails to account for the dynamic and often chaotic nature of entrepreneurship. This can lead to higher risks, as entrepreneurs may not adequately adjust their strategies based on real-world feedback, resulting in missed opportunities or the persistence of less viable ideas.

In contrast to this perspective, modern views on entrepreneurship emphasize the importance of adaptability and the need for an integrated approach that acknowledges the interdependence of generating and refining ideas. This integrative approach is more reflective of how entrepreneurs actually operate in practice, allowing for more resilience and innovation in the face of uncertainty.