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The price of success: balancing the effects of entrepreneurial commitment, work-family conflict and emotional exhaustion on job satisfaction

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Abstract

This research explores job satisfaction among entrepreneurs to investigate two paths from entrepreneurial commitment to job satisfaction: the direct path and the family path that includes work-family conflict and emotional exhaustion. An empirical study of 232 small and micro firm business owners are used to test the hypotheses seeking to understand which path to job satisfaction has the greatest influence. The results indicate that although being committed to one’s own business increases job satisfaction, emotional exhaustion takes a greater toll. We conclude that negative aspects of entrepreneurship exert an important influence on entrepreneurs’ satisfaction with their job. These findings offer important theoretical and practical implications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bradley University, 1501 W. Bradley Ave., Peoria, IL, 61625, USA

    William C. McDowell

  2. Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA

    Lucy M. Matthews, Joshua R. Aaron, Diane R. Edmondson & Cheryl B. Ward

  3. RLM Enterprises, LLC, Murfreesboro, TN, USA

    Ryan L. Matthews

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  1. William C. McDowell
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Correspondence to William C. McDowell.

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McDowell, W.C., Matthews, L.M., Matthews, R.L. et al. The price of success: balancing the effects of entrepreneurial commitment, work-family conflict and emotional exhaustion on job satisfaction. Int Entrep Manag J 15, 1179–1192 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-019-00581-w

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