To fold or hold? The role of emotional ambivalence in the entrepreneurial exit intention

Purpose The study investigates how entrepreneurs' experiences of hope and fear independently influence their entrepreneurial exit intention (EEI) amidst entrepreneurial adversity and examines how emotional ambivalence – the simultaneous experiencing of these intense contrasting emotions – affect EEI. Design/methodology/approach Utilizing linear regression analysis, the study empirically tests its hypotheses using survey data collected from 402 entrepreneurs in China. Findings Drawing on the appraisal-tendency framework, the results uncover that hope and fear exert distinct effects on EEI, with hope decreasing and fear increasing EEI. Moreover, greater emotional ambivalence experienced during entrepreneurial adversity is associated with a heightened intention to exit entrepreneurship. Originality/value Prior research on EEI has primarily focused on single emotions in isolation, overlooking the complexity of experiencing multiple conflicting emotions simultaneously, known as emotional ambivalence. This study addresses this gap by exploring emotional ambivalence, particularly the coexistence of hope and fear, which are closely linked to entrepreneurial uncertainty. By doing so, it offers valuable insights into emotional challenges entrepreneurs face when navigating adversity.