How do Effort Perceptions and Autonomy Concerns Affect Nascent Entrepreneurship Teams?

Abstract

We look at determinants of satisfaction of team members on nascent entrepreneurial teams, specifically focusing on how conflict mediates the effects of effort perceptions of teammates, as well as the effects of preferences for autonomy (one’s own as well as those of teammates). Using data collected from 120 team members across 36 nascent entrepreneurship teams we show that relationship conflict and task conflict mediate the effects of effort perception on satisfaction in one’s team, and satisfaction in one’s own role, respectively. Furthermore, in the eyes of a team member, we evidence that need for authority found elsewhere within a team positively relates to one’s own general satisfaction in the teamwork, but has a negative interaction effect as one’s own need for authority increases. Based on our findings, we offer some future research directions in investigating the roles of effort perceptions, autonomy concerns, conflict, and satisfaction on nascent entrepreneurship teams.