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Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained: Parasite Infection is Associated with Entrepreneurial Initiation, Engagement, and Performance

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  • Daniel A. Lerner
  • Lars Alkærsig
  • Markus A. Fitza
  • Carina Lomberg
  • Stefanie K. Johnson

Abstract

There is growing evidence that human biology and behavior are influenced by infectious microorganisms. One such microorganism is the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii ( TG ). Using longitudinal data covering the female population of Denmark, we extend research on the relationship between TG infection and entrepreneurial activity and outcomes. Results indicate that TG infection is associated with a subsequent increase in the probability of becoming an entrepreneur, and is linked to other outcomes including venture performance. With parasite behavioral manipulation antithetical to rational judgment, we join a growing conversation on biology and alternative drivers of business venturing.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel A. Lerner & Lars Alkærsig & Markus A. Fitza & Carina Lomberg & Stefanie K. Johnson, 2021. "Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained: Parasite Infection is Associated with Entrepreneurial Initiation, Engagement, and Performance," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 45(1), pages 118-144, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:45:y:2021:i:1:p:118-144
    DOI: 10.1177/1042258719890992
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    Cited by:

    1. Hunt, Richard A. & Lerner, Daniel A. & Johnson, Sheri L. & Badal, Sangeeta & Freeman, Michael A., 2022. "Cracks in the wall: Entrepreneurial action theory and the weakening presumption of intended rationality," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 37(3).
    2. Wim Van Lent & Richard A. Hunt & Daniel A. Lerner, 2023. "Historiography and the excavation of nascent business venturing," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 61(1), pages 285-303, June.
    3. G. Christopher Crawford & Vitaliy Skorodziyevskiy & Casey J. Frid & Thomas E. Nelson & Zahra Booyavi & Diana M. Hechavarria & Xuanye Li & Paul D. Reynolds & Ehsan Teymourian, 2022. "Advancing Entrepreneurship Theory Through Replication: A Case Study on Contemporary Methodological Challenges, Future Best Practices, and an Entreaty for Communality," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 46(3), pages 779-799, May.
    4. Hunt, Richard A. & Lerner, Daniel A. & Ortiz-Hunt, Avery, 2022. "Lassie shrugged: The premise and importance of considering non-human entrepreneurial action," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 17(C).

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