Entrepreneurial passion, orientation and behavior: the moderating role of linear and nonlinear thinking styles

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to unpack the underlying mechanisms of entrepreneurs' passion, orientation and behavior by investigating the role of rational and nonrational cognitive elements. Building on dual process theory and sociointuitionism, a conceptual model is proposed in order to explore the relationship between entrepreneurial passion, entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and strategic entrepreneurship behavior (SEB). Specifically, entrepreneurs' linear thinking styles (System 2) and nonlinear thinking styles (System 1) are hypothesized as being significant moderators of such a relationship.Design/methodology/approachCovariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) is used to empirically validate the proposed conceptual model and test the moderating hypotheses on a sample of 300 entrepreneurs actively involved in European small and medium enterprises (SMEs).FindingsEntrepreneurial passion is shown to be a significant antecedent of EO, which, in turn, strongly influences SEB. Moreover, entrepreneurs' linear thinking style positively moderates the EO-SEB relationship, but not the link between passion and EO. Instead, a nonlinear thinking style positively moderates the relationship between passion and EO, but not the links between EO and SEB.Practical implicationsEntrepreneurs should trust their nonlinear thinking style – related to affective/emotive and intuitive information processing systems – to foster the effect of their entrepreneurial passion on EO. Furthermore, entrepreneurs should rely on a linear thinking style, namely the rational and deliberative cognitive processes, to enhance the impact of their EO on SEB.Originality/valueDual process theory and sociointuitionism are integrated to simultaneously investigate the effect of nonrational and rational cognitive mechanisms on entrepreneurs' orientation and behavior. Moreover, the proposed model is empirically tested on a sample of entrepreneurs working in SMEs located in Europe, which have received little attention from entrepreneurship scholars in comparison to their US counterparts. The authors’ findings suggest important implications for entrepreneurs, policymakers and entrepreneurial universities educators.

The Influence of Cognitive Styles as Promoters of Entrepreneurial Orientation and Intrapreneurship as Drivers of Innovation: The Case of Pharmacy Professionals in Portugal

“…As an assumption, we realize that our H1 and H2 are supported. These results are in line with hypotheses proposed in the literature, where it is theorized that cognitive styles have differences in information processing and decision-making and thus could explain IEO [29,75]. However, during our research, the literature found that relates the two dimensions were scarce and, in a study conducted by Cools and Broeck [75], it was found that cognitive styles were not shown to be of significant contribution in explaining EO when compared to other individual traits (ambiguity tolerance, self-efficacy, proactive personality, locus of control, and need for achievement).…”

“…The study of its antecedents has been scarce [75], however, it is perceived that IEO also has a cognitive approach which tries to understand the aspects of cognition that are important in the entrepreneurial process, so it makes sense to associate cognitive differences with the way strategy is seen by entrepreneurs [29,75]. Within the few studies found, a recent work by Zollo et al [29] shows the conduct of a study in small and medium European organizations where they concluded that cognitive styles are mediators in the causal relationship between entrepreneurial passion, IEO and strategic entrepreneurship behaviour.…”

“…Additionally, one of the most important contributing factors to entrepreneurship and success is the individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) [26], as it is increasingly the individual himself who is the creator of opportunities, leading to a consequent growth of the organization [27]. IEO is a psychological construct that defines the propensity of an individual to behave in an entrepreneurial manner [28], to adapt to new situations, and obtain benefits [29]. Several studies have given importance to the IEO of managers (because it has been seen as a management strategy/vision) and all employees [30].…”

Design thinking traits and cognitive passive resistance: mediating effect of linear thinking

“…Although this dual process theory of cognition may have different denominations, each denomination is grounded in the notion that the human mind depends on two types of mental processing to perform routine tasks (Grayot, 2019). From this foundation, Zollo et al (2021) relate the dual-process theory of cognition to linear and thinking.…”

A round of dancing and then one more: embedding intuition in the ballet of entrepreneurial decision making

“…On the one hand, nonlinear thinking acknowledges the role of emotions, impulsiveness and passion in upholding the entrepreneurial orientation, thus inspiring affectively consistent strategic and management decisions (Larsen, 2020). On the other hand, rational and deliberative thinking fosters the entrepreneurs' ability to handle the challenges that arise from the growth of the entrepreneurial venture (Zollo et al, 2020). They mould entrepreneurial decisions via analytical reasoning and calculative logics, drawing on organizational capabilities and information processing skills developed by entrepreneurs over time (Morales Burgos et al, 2020).…”