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Satisfaction with Life as an Entrepreneur: From Early Volition to Eudaimonia

Author

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  • Nadav Shir

    (Ono Academic College)

  • Johan Wiklund

    (Syracuse University)

  • Srikant Manchiraju

    (Florida State University)

Abstract

This study explores how being satisfied with one’s life as an entrepreneur is a crucial ethical and psychological outcome of early volition and, subsequently, a vital resource in the development of a richer eudaimonic experience from entrepreneurship. We develop and test our predictions based on two independent datasets: American and Swedish business owners and early stage entrepreneurs. We argue and demonstrate that satisfaction with life as an entrepreneur conveys a distinct state of entrepreneurial well-being and constitutes a crucial self-evaluation which mediates the effects of early volition in entrepreneurship on long-term eudaimonia. We contribute to the emerging conversations on entrepreneurship, business ethics, and well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Nadav Shir & Johan Wiklund & Srikant Manchiraju, 2025. "Satisfaction with Life as an Entrepreneur: From Early Volition to Eudaimonia," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 199(4), pages 777-798, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:199:y:2025:i:4:d:10.1007_s10551-024-05832-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-024-05832-7
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    1. Sipos, Norbert & Lukovszki, Lívia & Rideg, András & Vörös, Zsófia, 2025. "Önreflexió, döntéshozatal és a vállalkozók affektív jólléte [Cognitive reflectiveness, decision-making, and entrepreneurs affective well-being]," Közgazdasági Szemle (Economic Review - monthly of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences), Közgazdasági Szemle Alapítvány (Economic Review Foundation), vol. 0(9), pages 976-991.

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