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Entrepreneurship & Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Large-Scale Study Involving the Clinical Condition of ADHD

Author

Listed:
  • Lerner, Dan

    (University of Deusto)

  • Verheul, Ingrid

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

  • Thurik, Roy

    (Erasmus School of Economics)

Abstract

A growing conversation has emerged linking ostensibly dark or pathological individual-level characteristics to entrepreneurship. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) emerged as a proof-of-concept phenomenon. Recent studies in entrepreneurship journals have made great strides – articulating the theoretical relevance of ADHD-type behavior in entrepreneurship, and suggesting a positive link consistent with narratives in the popular press. While the recent research has made important inroads, quantitative studies have yet to empirically examine ADHD in line with its theoretical roots and definition – as a full-blown clinical disorder. The present paper contributes by providing a theoretically-empirically aligned test of the connection between clinical ADHD and entrepreneurial intention as well as action.

Suggested Citation

  • Lerner, Dan & Verheul, Ingrid & Thurik, Roy, 2017. "Entrepreneurship & Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Large-Scale Study Involving the Clinical Condition of ADHD," IZA Discussion Papers 11105, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp11105
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Nikos Bozionelos & Giorgos Bozionelos, 2013. "Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder at work: Does it impact job performance?," Post-Print hal-00906160, HAL.
    2. Lerner, Daniel A., 2016. "Behavioral disinhibition and nascent venturing: Relevance and initial effects on potential resource providers," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 31(2), pages 234-252.
    3. Tumasjan, Andranik & Braun, Reiner, 2012. "In the eye of the beholder: How regulatory focus and self-efficacy interact in influencing opportunity recognition," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 27(6), pages 622-636.
    4. Wiklund, Johan & Patzelt, Holger & Dimov, Dimo, 2016. "Entrepreneurship and psychological disorders: How ADHD can be productively harnessed," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 6(C), pages 14-20.
    5. Ingrid Verheul & Joern Block & Katrin Burmeister-Lamp & Roy Thurik & Henning Tiemeier & Roxana Turturea, 2015. "ADHD-like behavior and entrepreneurial intentions," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 45(1), pages 85-101, June.
    6. Baron, Robert A. & Hmieleski, Keith M. & Henry, Rebecca A., 2012. "Entrepreneurs' dispositional positive affect: The potential benefits – and potential costs – of being “up”," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 27(3), pages 310-324.
    7. Roy Thurik & Anis Khedhaouria & Olivier Torrès & Ingrid Verheul, 2016. "ADHD Symptoms and Entrepreneurial Orientation of Small Firm Owners," Post-Print hal-02013741, HAL.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    entrepreneurial intentions; attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder; ADHD; nascent venturing; entrepreneurial action;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior

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