Cognitive Scripts and Entrepreneurial Success

Abstract

This paper examines the scripts (cognitive abilities) of successful entrepreneurs and compares them with the scripts of less successful entrepreneurs in order to increase understanding of the factors underlying the entrepreneurial experience. We propose that success (real or perceived) depend on the level of expertise in entrepreneurial scripts. We used a sample of 104 business owners. We adapted a scale for measuring in entrepreneurial scripts. The results confirm that entrepreneurs with high script expertise showed greater levels of perceived success than entrepreneurs with lower levels of expertise. However, there were no differences in venture growth. Our study increases the applications of cognitive abilities as a key factor for entrepreneurial success and opens the door for a Cognitive Training Program for entrepreneurial success.