ADHD Symptoms and Entrepreneurial Intentions
2013-03-26
Research Paper
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The growing interest of the business world in the virtues of individ- uals with specific cognitive behavioral characteristics, such as lack of attention and hyperactivity, is not matched by scholarly work. Indi- viduals who experience the challenges associated with such character- istics are thought to thrive in work environments that embrace their talents. Given that entrepreneurship requires a distinctive mindset, we test the hypothesis that individuals who, more than others, expe- rience symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity (ADHD) favor entrepreneurship over wage-employment. Using data of nearly 13,000 university students, we show that symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity increase the likelihood of intending to startup a busi- ness directly after study. We find evidence for partial mediation of two work attributes; independence and risk tolerance. Students who experience ADHD symptoms prefer to work independently and do not shy away from working on high-risk projects, which partly explains their preference for an entrepreneurial career.
- L26 : Entrepreneurship
- M13 : New Firms; Startups
- J14 : Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped
- symptom
- adhd symptoms
- intention
- attention deficit
- student
- attention
- entrepreneurship
- career
- adult
- hyperactivity
- deficit
- business
- study
- journal
- model
- individual
- independence
- entrepreneur
- effect
- university
