Mismatch between Entrepreneurs and Their Firms: The Role of Cognitive Fit/Misfit

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between cognitive fit/misfit, and burnout, satisfaction, and intentions to exit the firm in entrepreneurs. Given the disordinal (crossed) nature of the significant interactions, the results indicate when cognitive misfit in entrepreneurs (based on their dominant decision-making approach) is more likely lead them to experience negative outcomes, given the nature and degree of firm structure. This study contributes by extending the Person-Organization fit approach beyond employees to entrepreneurs and by providing researchers with means of placing the individual entrepreneur and his/her psychological make up back into the entrepreneurship equation without the pitfalls and the limitations associated with many of the past psychological (trait) studies.