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Passion and grit: An exploration of the pathways leading to venture success

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  • Mueller, Brandon A.
  • Wolfe, Marcus T.
  • Syed, Imran

Abstract

Entrepreneurial passion has been proposed as a central characteristic of entrepreneurs, theorized to influence a host of entrepreneurial behaviors as well as firm performance. The current study explores one set of pathways leading from developer passion to performance, identifying self-regulatory mode (locomotion and assessment) and grit as significant conduits of this relationship. In this study, we use multi-source survey data, with 1year lagged performance data, to empirically examine relationships between developer passion, self-regulatory mode, grit, and performance. Using path analysis modeling, we find that the relationship between developer passion and grit is mediated by both locomotion and assessment, with results indicating a positive relationship between locomotion and grit and a negative relationship between assessment and grit. Our results also reveal a positive relationship between grit and venture performance. Implications of these findings to research and practice are then discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Mueller, Brandon A. & Wolfe, Marcus T. & Syed, Imran, 2017. "Passion and grit: An exploration of the pathways leading to venture success," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 32(3), pages 260-279.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbvent:v:32:y:2017:i:3:p:260-279
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusvent.2017.02.001
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