Skip to main content

LUP Student Papers

LUND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

The Impact of ADHD Traits on the Pre-Launch Planning phase of the Entrepreneurial Process

Larsson, Elin LU and van Wagtendonk, Sophie Elisabeth LU (2025) ENTN19 20251
Department of Business Administration
Abstract
This study examines the effect the ADHD traits hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattentiveness
have on entrepreneurs during the planning of the pre-launch phase. Using Person-Environment
Fit theory, Dual Pathway Model, and Coping-Dueling-Fit theory, this study explores how
cognitive and emotional difficulties associated with ADHD impact entrepreneurial planning. The
data was collected through a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with
participants sampled through a purposeful sampling in combination with snowball sampling, to
reach enough entrepreneurs. During the analysis three aggregated dimensions were conducted,
(1) adaptive planning, (2) inconsistent decision-making, and (3) inner conflict and performance
... (More)
This study examines the effect the ADHD traits hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattentiveness
have on entrepreneurs during the planning of the pre-launch phase. Using Person-Environment
Fit theory, Dual Pathway Model, and Coping-Dueling-Fit theory, this study explores how
cognitive and emotional difficulties associated with ADHD impact entrepreneurial planning. The
data was collected through a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with
participants sampled through a purposeful sampling in combination with snowball sampling, to
reach enough entrepreneurs. During the analysis three aggregated dimensions were conducted,
(1) adaptive planning, (2) inconsistent decision-making, and (3) inner conflict and performance
pressure, resulting in a conceptual model. These findings demonstrate how inattentiveness
reshapes planning as a reactive coping strategy, while hyperactivity/impulsivity leads to emotion-
and energy-driven decision-making. In addition to the direct effect of the two main traits of
ADHD, the pressure to adhere to social norms leads to methods for compensation regarding
certain tasks during the planning pre-launch phase. The study expands on current theories and
literature of entrepreneurial behaviour for entrepreneurs with ADHD, specifically during the
planning in the pre-launch phase and proposes support recommendations for stakeholders as well
as for individual entrepreneurs. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Larsson, Elin LU and van Wagtendonk, Sophie Elisabeth LU
supervisor
organization
course
ENTN19 20251
year
type
H1 - Master's Degree (One Year)
subject
keywords
Entrepreneurship, ADHD, planning, pre-launch, entrepreneurial behaviour, Dual Pathway Model, Person-Environment Fit theory, Coping-Dueling-Fit theory
language
English
id
9204601
date added to LUP
2025-07-01 08:35:42
date last changed
2025-07-01 08:35:42
@misc{9204601,
  abstract     = {{This study examines the effect the ADHD traits hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattentiveness
have on entrepreneurs during the planning of the pre-launch phase. Using Person-Environment
Fit theory, Dual Pathway Model, and Coping-Dueling-Fit theory, this study explores how
cognitive and emotional difficulties associated with ADHD impact entrepreneurial planning. The
data was collected through a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with
participants sampled through a purposeful sampling in combination with snowball sampling, to
reach enough entrepreneurs. During the analysis three aggregated dimensions were conducted,
(1) adaptive planning, (2) inconsistent decision-making, and (3) inner conflict and performance
pressure, resulting in a conceptual model. These findings demonstrate how inattentiveness
reshapes planning as a reactive coping strategy, while hyperactivity/impulsivity leads to emotion-
and energy-driven decision-making. In addition to the direct effect of the two main traits of
ADHD, the pressure to adhere to social norms leads to methods for compensation regarding
certain tasks during the planning pre-launch phase. The study expands on current theories and
literature of entrepreneurial behaviour for entrepreneurs with ADHD, specifically during the
planning in the pre-launch phase and proposes support recommendations for stakeholders as well
as for individual entrepreneurs.}},
  author       = {{Larsson, Elin and van Wagtendonk, Sophie Elisabeth}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{The Impact of ADHD Traits on the Pre-Launch Planning phase of the Entrepreneurial Process}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}