Examining the Age—Performance Relationship for Entrepreneurs: Does the Innovativeness of a Venture Make a Difference?

Authors

Kanti V. Prasad, University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeFollow
Kyle Ehrhardt, University of Colorado, DenverFollow
Yiyuan Liu, Otterbein UniversityFollow
Kamlesh Tiwari, University of Wisconsin - MilwaukeeFollow

Issue Season

Spring/Fall

Document Type

Refereed Article

Abstract

Whether older or younger entrepreneurs may be better positioned to achieve performance outcomes for their ventures is a much debated question. Here, we draw on Galenson’s theory of creativity to propose a contingency perspective for understanding the relationship between entrepreneur age and venture performance, suggesting that a venture’s level of innovativeness plays a moderating role. Results from a representative sample of 1,182 nascent entrepreneurs revealed mixed support for our hypotheses. While a negative relationship was found between entrepreneur age and performance for those developing “innovative” ventures, no relationship was found between entrepreneur age and performance for those developing “imitative” ventures.

Recommended Citation

Prasad, Kanti V.; Ehrhardt, Kyle; Liu, Yiyuan; and Tiwari, Kamlesh (2015) "Examining the Age—Performance Relationship for Entrepreneurs: Does the Innovativeness of a Venture Make a Difference?," New England Journal of Entrepreneurship: Vol. 18: No. 1, Article 4.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/neje/vol18/iss1/4