My choices are better than yours! Gender differences in narcissistic start-up entrepreneurs

Abstract

PurposeThe paper explores the role of narcissism on entrepreneurs' decisions in terms of organizational choices, discussing gender differences. The aim relies in the influence that entrepreneurs' personality, capabilities and cognitive orientation have in the creation and management of start-ups.Design/methodology/approachAnalyzing an Italian sample of 207 entrepreneurs and using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and generalized linear model methods, the hypotheses were tested to understand whether and how narcissism affects Research and development (R&D) expenditure, patent ownership and the presence of a specialized team in organizations led by women and men entrepreneurs.FindingsDifferences in the management and organizational choices of narcissistic women entrepreneurs compared to their men counterparts emerged. First, results show that women entrepreneurs are less narcissistic than men. Second, gender is shown to moderate the effect of narcissism on the choice of having a qualified team in a start-up. Third, narcissistic women entrepreneurs were found to engage less in risk-taking activities, such as R&D expenditure, and to patent their ideas more than their male counterparts.Originality/valueThe study expands the existing literature by applying a gendered lens to entrepreneurs' narcissism to investigate whether they behave and manage their start-ups differently.

Keep dreaming: how personality traits affects the recognition and exploitation of entrepreneurial opportunities in the agritourism industry

“…In detail, Salvatore shows a slightly higher level of narcissism compared to his sister. This result is in line with previous studies investigating gender differences in narcissistic entrepreneurs, which demonstrate that male entrepreneurs are generally more narcissistic than female entrepreneurs (Leonelli, 2021). Moreover, the entrepreneurs report high levels of internal locus of control.…”

“…Narcissism is a personality dimension that can assume low and high levels and become a personality disorder when extreme levels are reached. In this paper, the focus will be on nonpathological narcissism, which is common of those people who manifest vanity, superiority and entitlement (Leonelli, 2021). Narcissists are also characterised by high levels of self-love and self-admiration, and they consider themselves more unique, smarter and more attractive than others (Leonelli et al, 2019;Mathieu and St-Jean, 2013).…”

“…Furthermore, the choices of narcissistic entrepreneurs are generally different from those of non-narcissistic entrepreneurs (i.e. more visible or risky decisions) (Leonelli, 2021), and, thanks to their charisma, narcissistic entrepreneurs easily gain followers (Gruda et al, 2021). Finally, sustainably oriented entrepreneurs are more interested in pursuing initiatives and starting firms that encourage sustainability (Kuckertz and Wagner, 2010).…”

“…Furthermore, the choices of narcissistic entrepreneurs are generally different from those of non-narcissistic entrepreneurs (i.e. more visible or risky decisions) (Leonelli, 2021), and, thanks to their charisma, narcissistic entrepreneurs easily gain followers (Gruda et al. , 2021).…”

Kecerdasan Spiritual sebagai Variabel Moderating pada Pengaruh Narsisme terhadap Perilaku Keputusan Investasi

“…Di sisi lain, memang tingkat narsisme dari keseluruhan responden penelitian ini cukup tinggi, namun jika dilihat data deskriptif berdasarkan gender maka responden di penelitian ini lebih banyak atau didominasi oleh responden perempuan dibandingkan dengan responden laki-laki dengan persentase responden jenis kelamin perempun sebesar 72% dan laki-laki sebesar 28%. Sebagaimana temuan di penelitian Leonelli (2021) Narsisme seorang entrepreneur perempuan lebih rendah dibandingkan dengan narsisme entrepreneur seorang laki-laki serta entrepreneur perempuan lebih menghindari risiko investasi dibandingkan dengan entrepreneur laki-laki. Jika diamati lebih lanjut di penelitian ini, penghindaran risiko investasi responden sebagai cerminan perilaku keputusan investasi dapat terlihat dari instrumen pertanyaan mengenai perilaku keputusan investasi yang masih terdapat jawaban "ragu-ragu" yakni 14-48% dengan rata-rata sebesar 27% sehingga temuan empiris penelitian ini menyimpulkan meski responden di penelitian ini memiliki sifat narsisme yang cukup tinggi cenderung perilaku keputusan investasi responden menurun dan sebaliknya sifat narsisme yang cukup rendah cenderung perilaku keputusan investasi responden meningkat.…”