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Why narcissists may be successful entrepreneurs: The role of entrepreneurial social identity and overwork

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  • Gubik, Andrea S.
  • Vörös, Zsófia

Abstract

In this article, we theoretically and empirically examine why and how social identity and overwork/workaholism represent pathways to convey the effect of dark triad traits – Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy – on venture performance. By analyzing the data of 569 university students with their own businesses in the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students’ Survey, we show that compulsive overwork and Darwinian social identity partially mediate the positive effect of narcissism on venture performance. Thus, our study extends the narcissism literature by exploring the mechanism of the positive impact of narcissism on venture performance and implies that narcissism is not necessarily an adverse personality characteristic in an entrepreneurial context.

Suggested Citation

  • Gubik, Andrea S. & Vörös, Zsófia, 2023. "Why narcissists may be successful entrepreneurs: The role of entrepreneurial social identity and overwork," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 19(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jobuve:v:19:y:2023:i:c:s2352673422000622
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbvi.2022.e00364
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