The role of distinct ADHD symptoms for pre-entry entrepreneurial behavior: when intentions do not translate into action

Abstract

Recent academic work and popular press advocate that individuals with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be particularly well equipped to conduct entrepreneurial activities. This study investigates the link between the two main symptoms of ADHD—namely, attention deficit and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms—and pre-entry entrepreneurial behavior. Building on the person-environment fit literature and analyzing a unique dataset of Flemish individuals, it demonstrates a positive link between hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms and attention deficit symptoms on the one hand and entrepreneurial intentions on the other hand. However, it also shows that, unlike hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms, symptoms of inattentiveness hinder the transition of these intentions into actual pre-entry entrepreneurial behavior. These results imply that previous entrepreneurship research on ADHD as one single symptom is likely to be overly optimistic.Plain English Summary Do individuals with ADHD symptoms prepare sufficiently for venture launch? While impulsivity/hyperactivity symptoms help aspiring entrepreneurs, symptoms of inattentiveness hinder them in testing their idea. When people consider starting up their own firm, they need to undertake a series of exploratory activities to verify the viability of their idea. Our research shows that people with hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms are typically more motivated to found their own company and therefore more likely to undertake the necessary exploratory activities to test their idea. However, we find that this is not the case when they suffer also from inattentiveness symptoms. Notwithstanding their motivation to found a company, inattentive individuals have difficulties executing the exploratory activities that are needed, which may negatively affect their company’s subsequent performance and survival. These results are important for people with ADHD symptoms who consider becoming an entrepreneur.