Abstract
Several studies have observed a relationship between (subclinical levels of) attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and entrepreneurship. Recently, Yu et al. (Entrep Theory Pract https://doi.org/10.1177/1042258719892987, 2019) and Wismans et al. (Appl Psychol 69:1093–1112 https://doi.org/10.1111/apps.12247, 2020) observed a positive association between hyperactivity and entrepreneurial orientation (EO). The present study seeks to replicate these findings in an entirely different culture, that of Japan. Moreover, because of the low internal consistency of the hyperactivity measure across studies, we study the individual contributions of the hyperactivity items. Using a sample of 255 Japanese business owners, we conducted OLS regressions and PLS-structural equation modelling. The results of our study on the ADHD-EO relationship in Japan are partly in line with previous findings: the positive link between hyperactivity and EO is again confirmed. In contrast with the results of previous studies, we find a positive link between overall ADHD symptoms and EO using both methods and a positive link between attention-deficit and EO using one of the methods (PLS-SEM). Cultural differences may explain these different findings. When the two hyperactivity items are separated, they appear to have different associations with EO. One item, measuring mental hyperactivity, is strongly positively associated with EO, whereas the other item, measuring physical hyperactivity, is not associated with EO. This result is a new and interesting finding that is replicated in the current study using the French dataset of Wismans et al. (Appl Psychol 69:1093–1112 https://doi.org/10.1111/apps.12247, 2020) but which warrants further research.
Highlights
The positive psychology movement has encouraged the study of human thoughts, feelings and behaviours with a focus on strengths instead of deficits—for example, using the concept of psychological capital (Csikszentmihalyi and Seligman 2000; Nolzen 2018)
Looking at the subdimensions of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using ordinary least squares (OLS), we find no link between attention-deficit and total entrepreneurial orientation (EO), and we find a positive association between hyperactivity and total EO that is significant at the 10% level (β = .11, p < .10)
In terms of the EO subdimensions, we find that attention-deficit is not related to innovativeness, while hyperactivity is associated with innovativeness only at the 10% significance level (β = .12, p < .10)
Summary
The positive psychology movement has encouraged the study of human thoughts, feelings and behaviours with a focus on strengths instead of deficits—for example, using the concept of psychological capital (Csikszentmihalyi and Seligman 2000; Nolzen 2018). A stream of research emerged that advocated a change from the deficit-focused view of mental disorders to one that is oriented towards the benefits that may result from the traits associated with these disorders (Lesch 2018; Jamison 2005; Galvez et al 2011). In the field of entrepreneurship, several studies have been conducted that link symptoms of mental disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), to entrepreneurship (Wiklund et al 2018; Verheul et al 2015; Antshel 2018; Hatak et al 2021). ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity. The disorder arises during childhood and persists into adulthood (American Psychiatric Association 2013). The clinical diagnosis of ADHD has been associated with occupational impairments, such as lower educational attainment, lower work performance, lower supervisor ratings and greater probability of being fired (Antshel 2018)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
