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Failing role models and the formation of fear of entrepreneurial failure: a study of regional peer effects in German regions

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Wyrwich
  • Rolf Sternberg
  • Michael Stuetzer

Abstract

Entrepreneurial role models influence decisions to start firms. This effect is even stronger if peers and observers live in the same region. However, most studies remain silent about the role of entrepreneurial failure for the direction of role modeling. Failed role models can trigger a deterrence of entrepreneurship in others of the same region. We hypothesize that observing successful entrepreneurs reduces fear of failure, while observing business failure increases fear of failure. By using data on regional entries and exits, we find considerable support for our hypothesis and contribute to literature on regional entrepreneurship.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Wyrwich & Rolf Sternberg & Michael Stuetzer, 2019. "Failing role models and the formation of fear of entrepreneurial failure: a study of regional peer effects in German regions," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 19(3), pages 567-588.
  • Handle: RePEc:oup:jecgeo:v:19:y:2019:i:3:p:567-588.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/jeg/lby023
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Abbasianchavari, Arezou & Block, Joern, 2022. "Perceptual factors explaining the gender gap in entrepreneurial propensity: A replication and extension," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 17(C).
    2. Rolf Sternberg & David Breitenbach, 2023. "Youth Entrepreneurship in Germany: Empirical Evidence on the How, the Why, the How Many, the Who and the When," Economies, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-30, June.
    3. Christopher J. Boudreaux & Daniel L. Bennett & David S. Lucas & Boris N. Nikolaev, 2023. "Taking mental models seriously: institutions, entrepreneurship, and the mediating role of socio-cognitive traits," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 61(2), pages 465-493, August.
    4. Alessandra Colombelli & Elena Grinza & Valentina Meliciani & Mariacristina Rossi, 2021. "Pulling Effects in Immigrant Entrepreneurship: Does Gender Matter?," Economic Geography, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 97(1), pages 1-33, January.
    5. Ismaëlh Cissé & Jean Dubé & Cédric Brunelle, 2020. "New business location: how local characteristics influence individual location decision?," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 64(1), pages 185-214, February.
    6. Bijedić, Teita & Löher, Jonas & Schneck, Stefan & Suprinovič, Olga, 2023. "Gründungen von Minderjährigen - Verbreitung und Charakteristika," IfM-Materialien 298, Institut für Mittelstandsforschung (IfM) Bonn.
    7. Nizar Mtibaa & Sami Boudabbous, 2023. "The Realities of Learning through Failure in Entrepreneurship: Results of Qualitative Research," International Review of Management and Marketing, Econjournals, vol. 13(2), pages 19-27, March.
    8. Johannes Bloh & Tom Broekel & Burcu Özgun & Rolf Sternberg, 2020. "New(s) data for entrepreneurship research? An innovative approach to use Big Data on media coverage," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 55(3), pages 673-694, October.
    9. Rolf Sternberg, 2022. "Entrepreneurship and geography—some thoughts about a complex relationship," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 69(3), pages 559-584, December.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Entrepreneurial failure; role models; peer effect; Global Entrepreneurship Monitor; entrepreneurship;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups

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