Entrepreneur growth aspirations, uncertainty avoidance and innovation: a cross-country analysis

Purpose Grounded in social cognitive theory, this study investigates the influence of growth aspirations on innovation and examines the moderating role of uncertainty avoidance, highlighting the differences between emerging and developed countries. Design/methodology/approach We employ data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor and the Global Leadership and Organizational Behaviour Effectiveness for 27 developed and 15 emerging countries. The research applies a multilevel model incorporating both individual- and country-level variables. Findings Our findings confirm a direct impact of entrepreneurs' growth aspirations on innovation. Moreover, we contribute to the existing research by showing the disparities between emerging and developed countries concerning the moderating influence of uncertainty avoidance. Originality/value We introduce a boundary condition to our predictions, advancing research by investigating how cultural contexts, particularly uncertainty avoidance, shape the relationship between aspirations and innovation in emerging and developed countries.