Controversial Theories

This is a subjective list of the most controversial theories about entrepreneurship. These theories drive many debates in academic circles today and in the past.

Birth Order Theory
The birth order theory is controversial because we can't control our birth order, and most of the ideas are based on debunked Freudian speculations.

Brain Parasite Theory
The brain parasite theory is controversial because it would seem to account for entry but not success in entrepreneurship. 

Disagreeableness Theory
Disagreeableness theory is controversial because it paints the entrepreneur as the quintessential contrarian jerk.

Disruptive Innovation Theory 
The disruptive innovation theory is controversial because it lacks specificity and broad empirical support, yet remains one of the most popular theories in business today.

Emancipation Theory
The emancipation theory of entrepreneurship is controversial because it posits that entrepreneurship is the road to emancipation, which is contestable.  

Great Man Theory
The Great Man theory is controversial because it is sexist and elitist and ignores the contributions of the masses.

Jack of All Trades Theory
The jack of all trades theory is controversial because it suggests people should vary their experiences to attain entrepreneurial skills, but evidence suggests that this may be bad advice. 

Necessity Versus Opportunity
The distinction between necessity and opportunity entrepreneurs is controversial because some entrepreneurs may start businesses out of necessity but then turn into opportunity entrepreneurs and visa-versa.

Religious Theory
The religious theory of entrepreneurship is controversial because it praises some religions as more entrepreneurial than others. 

Slacker Theory
The slacker theory questions the role of hard work in entrepreneurship.

Stewardship Theory
The stewardship theory of entrepreneurship is controversial because it suggests that founders should be given total authority over startups (think Elon Musk).