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Uncertainty, entrepreneurial orientation, and the pursuit of M&A: Managing the unpredictable

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  • Simpson, Joseph J.
  • Sariol, Marcie

Abstract

Uncertainty has long-been the subject of academic discussion and debate regarding organizational pursuits and the topic’s growth in top business and management journals has seen increased substantially in recent years. In this article, we take up prior calls to provide clarity regarding uncertainty measurement in management research by developing and testing a CATA measure of uncertainty. We further clarify and compare the uncertainty-entrepreneurial orientation dynamic to explain why firms engage or focus on M&A activity vis-à-vis their annual reports. We find support for an interaction between Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) and uncertainty to explain firms’ M&A Discourse. Implications and future research directions are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Simpson, Joseph J. & Sariol, Marcie, 2022. "Uncertainty, entrepreneurial orientation, and the pursuit of M&A: Managing the unpredictable," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 142(C), pages 423-434.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:142:y:2022:i:c:p:423-434
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.01.006
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