Understanding the Entrepreneurial Mindset: A Review of Psychological Factors and the Moderating Role of Organizational Support
Keywords:
Entrepreneurial Mindset, Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy, Emotional Intelligence, Mindfulness, Perceived Organizational SupportAbstract
The entrepreneurial mindset (EM) is increasingly recognized as a critical driver of innovation, adaptability, and strategic leadership, particularly in service-oriented industries facing dynamic change. This systematic literature review explores the psychological antecedents of EM—specifically entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE), emotional intelligence (EI), and mindfulness—and examines the moderating role of perceived organizational support (POS). Drawing on peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2024, this review integrates findings from psychology, entrepreneurship, and organizational behavior to address three core questions: (1) Which psychological traits are most reliably linked to EM? (2) How does POS influence the strength or direction of these relationships? (3) What theoretical frameworks and methodologies dominate this field? The review identifies ESE as the most consistent predictor of EM, while EI and mindfulness enhance emotional regulation and opportunity recognition. POS appears to strengthen the link between these traits and EM, yet its moderating role remains underexplored. Methodologically, the field relies heavily on cross-sectional survey data and Western theoretical models, limiting causal inferences and cultural generalizability. The review highlights key gaps in longitudinal research, theoretical integration, and cultural calibration—particularly in emerging economies such as China. It concludes by proposing a future research agenda aimed at developing holistic, context-sensitive models of entrepreneurial cognition and behavior.
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