The relationship between narcissism and entrepreneurial success: the mediating role of excessive and compulsive work
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15170/MM.2025.59.01.04Keywords:
entrepreneurial performance, trait narcissism, comulsive work, overworkAbstract
THE AIM OF THE PAPER
This study aims to contribute to our understanding of what makes an entrepreneur successful, a question that is constantly present in the literature. Among the personality traits that are well suited to entrepreneurial tasks, our paper focuses on the impact of subclinical narcissism, which is often negatively labeled in everyday life. To understand the reasons behind the positive association between narcissism and entrepreneurial performance, we examine why and how excessive and compulsive work mediates the effect of subclinical narcissism on entrepreneurial performance.
METHODOLOGY
By analyzing data from 659 student entrepreneurs from the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students' Survey, we use a mediation model to assess the relationship between four variables: entrepreneurial performance, subclinical narcissism, and excessive- and compulsive work.
MOST IMPORTANT RESULTS
Entrepreneurs with higher subclinical narcissism scores tend to have higher entrepreneurial performance. This is partly because individuals with higher narcissism scores desire success and power that can be satisfied by entrepreneurial excellence and are, therefore, willing to make a significant effort to achieve entrepreneurial success. The significant correlation between excessive and compulsive work and narcissistic traits indicates this. Our results highlight that both excessive and compulsive work partially mediate the positive effect of narcissism on entrepreneurial success. Our study adds to the narcissism literature by exploring the mechanisms underlying the positive impact of narcissism on entrepreneurial performance and the quantity of work, i.e., the mediating role of excessive and compulsive work.
RECOMMENDATION
Subclinical narcissism is a personality trait that is advantageous in an entrepreneurial context and, therefore, worth paying attention to. Through the development of self-awareness and targeted programs, it can be used constructively to achieve entrepreneurial and organizational goals. However, for individuals with higher levels of sub-clinical narcissism, mental health support may be of particular importance to ensure that excessive and compulsive work does not lead to burnout and personal problems and that these goals can be achieved in the long term.
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