The Relationship between Cognitive and Contextual Factors: A Self-Regulatory Mechanism Underlying Persistence in Nascent Entrepreneurs

Abstract In this study, we present a new approach to understanding the persistence of nascent entrepreneurs, by examining the role played by context and cognition through the mediation of a self-regulatory mechanism. Drawing on a sample of 316 nascent entrepreneurs from the Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics (PSED II), we first consider whether entrepreneurial self-efficacy and goal commitment predict persistence in nascent entrepreneurs. We then evaluate the role of perceived institutional support, both formal and informal. Finally, we examine the relationships between cognitive and contextual variables and their impact on entrepreneurial persistence. Our results show that goal commitment has a direct effect on entrepreneurial persistence, while self-efficacy acts indirectly through goal commitment, from which we infer the existence of a self-regulatory mechanism impacting on persistence in nascent entrepreneurs. Among the contextual factors, only informal institutional support presents a direct relationship to persistence, while perceived formal support exerts an indirect influence through cognitive self-regulation. From a practical standpoint, our findings may be useful for institutions that design policies and programmes to foster sustained economic growth through the promotion of entrepreneurship.