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Regulatory focus, environmental turbulence, and entrepreneur improvisation

Author

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  • Lingyu Hu

    (University of Science and Technology of China
    Zhejiang Wanli University)

  • Jibao Gu

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Jianlin Wu

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Augustine A. Lado

    (Clarkson University)

Abstract

Improvisation is increasingly recognized as a critical strategy used by entrepreneurs for effectively dealing with unexpected events. Nevertheless, limited effort has been exerted in the investigation of the antecedents of entrepreneur improvisation. This study proposes and analyzes regulatory focus as an important antecedent of entrepreneur improvisation, and examines the moderating role of environmental turbulence in this relationship. Data are obtained from a two-wave survey of 99 entrepreneurs in the largest economic area in China. Empirical results indicate that promotion focus (but not prevention focus) is significantly related to entrepreneur improvisation. Furthermore, environmental turbulence significantly moderates the relationship between prevention focus and entrepreneur improvisation. These findings advance the understanding of entrepreneur improvisation and regulatory focus theory, and provide practical implications for entrepreneurs, investors and boards of directors.

Suggested Citation

  • Lingyu Hu & Jibao Gu & Jianlin Wu & Augustine A. Lado, 2018. "Regulatory focus, environmental turbulence, and entrepreneur improvisation," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 129-148, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:intemj:v:14:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1007_s11365-017-0446-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s11365-017-0446-7
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    Cited by:

    1. Xiaofeng Su & Xiaoli Jiang & Wenhe Lin & Anxin Xu & Qiujin Zheng, 2022. "Organizational Innovative Climate and Employees’ Improvisational Behavior: The Mediating Role of Psychological Safety and the Moderating Role of Creative Self-Efficacy," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(4), pages 21582440221, October.
    2. Alenka Slavec Gomezel & Rok Stritar, 2023. "Does it pay to be an ethical leader in entrepreneurship? An investigation of the relationships between entrepreneurs’ regulatory focus, ethical leadership, and small firm growth," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 155-173, January.
    3. Li Xiong, 2022. "Improvise to win: the relationship between entrepreneurial improvisation and start-up competitive advantage," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 21(2), pages 184-204, April.
    4. Scott C. Manley & Joseph F. Hair & Ralph I. Williams & William C. McDowell, 0. "Essential new PLS-SEM analysis methods for your entrepreneurship analytical toolbox," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 0, pages 1-21.
    5. Scott C. Manley & Joseph F. Hair & Ralph I. Williams & William C. McDowell, 2021. "Essential new PLS-SEM analysis methods for your entrepreneurship analytical toolbox," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 17(4), pages 1805-1825, December.

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