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The Weary Founder: Sleep Problems, ADHD-Like Tendencies, and Entrepreneurial Intentions

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  • Brian C. Gunia
  • J. Jeffrey Gish
  • Mona Mensmann

Abstract

Scholars have persuasively documented the positive influence of ADHD-like tendencies (the impermanent experience of ADHD-like symptoms) on entrepreneurial intentions. Yet, we know little about the causes of ADHD-like tendencies, and thus about factors that could heighten entrepreneurial intentions through such tendencies. Drawing from the biopsychosocial model, sleep physiology literature, and entrepreneurship literature, we propose that the biological experience of sleep problems may heighten the psychological experience of ADHD-like tendencies, which could nudge people toward the socially-embedded intention to venture. Four studies and a mini meta-analysis provide support, extending several literatures and suggesting that sleep problems could contribute to business founding.

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  • Brian C. Gunia & J. Jeffrey Gish & Mona Mensmann, 2021. "The Weary Founder: Sleep Problems, ADHD-Like Tendencies, and Entrepreneurial Intentions," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 45(1), pages 175-210, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:45:y:2021:i:1:p:175-210
    DOI: 10.1177/1042258720940502
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    4. Gish, J. Jeffrey & Guedes, Maria João & Silva, Bárbara G. & Patel, Pankaj C., 2022. "Latent profiles of personality, temperament, and eudaimonic well-being: Comparing life satisfaction and health outcomes among entrepreneurs and employees," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 17(C).
    5. Séverine Chevalier & Isabelle Calmé & Hélène Coillot & Karine Le Rudulier & Evelyne Fouquereau, 2022. "How Can Students' Entrepreneurial Intention Be Increased? The Role of Psychological Capital, Perceived Learning From an Entrepreneurship Education Program, Emotions and Their Relationships," Post-Print hal-03633580, HAL.
    6. Michaelis, Timothy L. & Pollack, Jeffrey M. & Hu, Xinyu (Judy) & Carr, Jon C. & McKelvie, Alexander, 2021. "Metacognition and entrepreneurial action: The mediating role of a strategic mindset on promoting effort and innovative behavior in frugal entrepreneurs," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 16(C).
    7. Artamoshina, Polina & Shirokova, Galina & Osiyevskyy, Oleksiy & Bodolica, Virginia, 2023. "ADHD symptoms of CEOs and business model innovation in the SME context," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).
    8. Hamrick, Alexander B., 2022. "Stress[ed] out, leisure in: The role of leisure crafting in facilitating entrepreneurs’ work stressor— creativity relationship," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 18(C).
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