How does Entrepreneurial Fear of Missing out Affect Entrepreneurial Effort?—Based on a Cognitive-Emotional Dual System Theory Perspective

Abstract

Abstract: Fear of missing out is ubiquitous in the entrepreneurial process, and it has both negative and positive effects on entrepreneurs’ entrepreneurial efforts. However, research on how entrepreneurial fear of missing out affects entrepreneurial efforts is relatively scarce in academia. Based on the cognitive-emotional dual system theory, this paper constructs a “double-edged sword” mechanism for the influence of entrepreneurial fear of missing out on entrepreneurial efforts, in order to expand the research on antecedents and mechanisms of entrepreneurial efforts. Through the analysis of 281 valid questionnaires collected from entrepreneurs, it is found that entrepreneurial fear of missing out inhibits entrepreneurial efforts by triggering entrepreneurial burnout and promotes entrepreneurial efforts by stimulating self-control. In addition, social support not only weakens entrepreneurial burnout induced by entrepreneurial fear of missing out and strengthens self-control stipulated by it, but also moderates the mediating process by which entrepreneurial fear of missing out has a two-sided effect on entrepreneurial effort. The results of this study help to further open the “black box” regarding how entrepreneurial fear of missing out affects entrepreneurial effort and provide empirical evidence and inspiration for a comprehensive view of the impact of entrepreneurial fear of missing out.

Key words: entrepreneurial fear of missing out, entrepreneurial burnout, self-control, social support, entrepreneurial effort

Yang Jie. How does Entrepreneurial Fear of Missing out Affect Entrepreneurial Effort?—Based on a Cognitive-Emotional Dual System Theory Perspective[J]. Management Review, 2025, 37(9): 172-184.

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