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What Makes Entrepreneurs Happy? Psychological Flexibility and Entrepreneurs' Satisfaction

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  • van Hugten, Joeri
  • el Hejazi, Zainab-Noor
  • Brassey, Jacqueline
  • Vanderstraeten, Johanna
  • Cannaerts, Nele
  • Loots, Ellen
  • Coreynen, Wim
  • van Witteloostuijn, Arjen

Abstract

This paper investigates entrepreneurs' satisfaction. We conceptually replicate and extend Carree and Verheul’s (2012) Dutch study on the drivers of entrepreneurs' satisfaction with data from Belgian entrepreneurs. Thus, we respond to the need to replicate more in the (social) sciences, including entrepreneurship studies. The ‘extension’ aspect contributes novel theoretical understanding and empirical explanatory power of entrepreneurs' satisfaction. Specifically, the paper introduces psychological flexibility as an important new predictor of entrepreneurs' satisfaction. Indeed, we provide evidence that entrepreneurs with greater psychological flexibility are, on average, more satisfied.

Suggested Citation

  • van Hugten, Joeri & el Hejazi, Zainab-Noor & Brassey, Jacqueline & Vanderstraeten, Johanna & Cannaerts, Nele & Loots, Ellen & Coreynen, Wim & van Witteloostuijn, Arjen, 2021. "What Makes Entrepreneurs Happy? Psychological Flexibility and Entrepreneurs' Satisfaction," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 16(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jobuve:v:16:y:2021:i:c:s235267342100041x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbvi.2021.e00263
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. De Cock, Robin & Denoo, Lien & Clarysse, Bart, 2020. "Surviving the emotional rollercoaster called entrepreneurship: The role of emotion regulation," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 35(2).
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