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A Multilevel Approach Linking Entrepreneurial Contexts to Subjective Well-Being: Evidence from Rural Chinese Entrepreneurs

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  • Feng Xu

    (South China Agricultural University)

  • Xiaogang He

    (Shanghai University of Finance and Economics)

  • Xueru Yang

    (South China Agricultural University)

Abstract

This study introduces a multilevel theoretical framework that explains spatially bounded relationships between social and institutional factors and entrepreneurs’ subjective well-being. Using a sample of 4600 Chinese entrepreneurs running agribusinesses in rural areas across 31 Chinese provinces, we find that the evaluation of subjective well-being, in terms of job and life satisfaction, is higher for entrepreneurs who have higher levels of family support and institutional trust, and for those who reside in provinces with higher levels of family support and institutional trust. Additionally, entrepreneurs’ trust in institutions is more potent for their job satisfaction in provinces with a higher average level of institutional trust. Altogether, our study highlights the multifaceted impact of entrepreneurial contexts on subjective well-being, with important implications for the entrepreneurship theory on subjective well-being effects and practical suggestions for policymakers and entrepreneurs.

Suggested Citation

  • Feng Xu & Xiaogang He & Xueru Yang, 2021. "A Multilevel Approach Linking Entrepreneurial Contexts to Subjective Well-Being: Evidence from Rural Chinese Entrepreneurs," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(4), pages 1537-1561, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:22:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s10902-020-00283-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-020-00283-z
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    4. Xu, Feng & Jin, Linlin, 2022. "Impact of daily entrepreneurial stressors on long-term transformational leader behaviors and well-being: Differences in experienced and nascent entrepreneurs," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 280-291.

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