Entrepreneurial well-being research from 1979 to 2022: A comprehensive multimethod bibliometric analysis

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aims to provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the entrepreneurial well-being (EW) field, addressing its evolution, intellectual structure, and emerging trends. It seeks to fill gaps in prior research, which often focuses narrowly on specific dimensions of well-being, by adopting a multidisciplinary and integrative perspective. The study highlights dominant narratives and offers actionable insights for future research and practice. METHODOLOGY: The analysis employs three bibliometric techniques: historiography, document co-citation, and bibliographic coupling. Using 668 primary and 37,951 secondary documents sourced from the Web of Science database, the study spans 1979–2022. Bibliometric tools such as Biblioshiny were applied to identify research clusters, visualise intellectual structures, and assess trends across the field. FINDINGS: The study identifies two dominant narratives: hedonic well-being, focusing on subjective satisfaction and positive emotions, and eudaimonic well-being, centred on psychological constructs like autonomy and purpose. Key contributions are concentrated in journals such as Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice. The field exhibits fragmentation, with limited interdisciplinary collaboration, though recent years have seen growing diversity in authorship and geographical representation. IMPLICATIONS: The findings highlight the need for integrating multidisciplinary frameworks to deepen theoretical understanding and promote practical relevance. Stronger collaborations between researchers and practitioners can address challenges like work-life balance and sustainable development. These partnerships can translate academic insights into actionable strategies, benefiting entrepreneurs and society alike. ORIGINALITY AND VALUE: This study’s use of three bibliometric techniques offers a unique, comprehensive view of EW research, bridging historical insights with emerging trends. By mapping the field’s intellectual structure, it provides a valuable resource for advancing theoretical and practical contributions in entrepreneurial well-being