Why Entrepreneurs Ignore Good Advice: A Study in Non-Linearity and Ego^©

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Kagan, Daniel

Affiliations: The Union Institute & Kagan Associates, 61 Gilbert Road, Belmont MA 02178, USA. Tel.: +1 617 489 2497

Abstract: The resistance of business owners to accepting consultant advice is explored using the sciences of complexity and cognition. Of special interest are the psychological and creative processes underlying entrepreneurism. Hypothesis: during ‘crisis’ periods featuring innovation and growth, personal and business dynamics exhibit non-linear and mutually reinforcing characteristics. A two-pronged strategy for delivering technical assistance is proposed by applying ‘rational’ or ‘constructivist’ approaches depending on prevailing conditions (linear or non-linear) in the business.

Keywords: Entrepreneurism, systems theory, cognitive psychology

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-1995-14407

Journal: Human Systems Management, vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 327-333, 1995