Impact of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder on Entrepreneurial Behavior: A Neurobiological Approach

Abstract

The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and entrepreneurial behavior, specially in characteristics such as risk-taking, creativity, and decision-making. Three groups of ten individuals (5 women; age 36.3 ± 14.0) were selected using social media platforms: one group with ADHD (four participants), one group of entrepreneurs (three participants), and one control group without ADHD or entrepreneurial experience (three participants). 10-question interviews, tailored to their respective profiles, were conducted individually via Zoom. After interviews transcriptions, significant statements were extracted for data analysis. Participants were also instructed to play the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) from an online platform to assess decision-making and risk-taking. Individual data were compiled, compared and statistically processed with Microsoft Excel. As results, comparing interview statements between individuals with ADHD, entrepreneurs, and the control group, in terms of risk-taking, attention, and creativity showed that individuals with ADHD can bring unique traits and skills to entrepreneurship, while entrepreneurs have specific strategies for managing distractions and maintaining focus. The control group emphasizes organization and analysis rather than creativity. The findings from the IGT suggested that people with ADHD may exhibit impulsive tendencies and difficulty evaluating the long-term consequences of their actions. Entrepreneurs were willing to take calculated risks to seize opportunities and achieve their goals, and they were also aware of the need to limit risk and make prudent decisions to protect their investments. The control group highlighted the individual differences in risk-taking in randomly selected individuals, without any special condition. They showed a certain caution in opting for low-risk choices. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of considering individual and contextual factors in decision-making processes, incorporating neurobiological aspects of ADHD. Although available data did not directly examine the influence of these factors on entrepreneurship success, it highlights the significance of understanding the complex influences involved in decision-making.