Speaker: Professor Stephen Zhang, University of Adelaide
Title: Boon or bane having overconfident founder-CEOs for firm performance? The role of firm adaptability and performance risk
Date: Thu, 3rd Nov 2022
Time: 11am – 12:30pm
Venue: RSM Seminar room
Online meeting link: https://anu.zoom.us/j/83707822638?pwd=a1lFd2dYRmc2L1JNZlB4VDlLRGgxUT09
Prof Lin Cui is the host of this visit.
Abstract
A fundamental tension arises in the literature on biases in entrepreneurs and upper echelons in the conflicting evidence on implications of overconfidence on firm performance. We help resolve the tension by conducting a multi-wave, multi-informant study of SMEs in Malaysia. The results reveal that the relationship between founder-CEO overconfidence and firm performance is through CEO performance risk and contingent upon firm adaptability. The research carries implications for research on bias in entrepreneurship and upper echelons literature, showing the benefits of taking a leader-organization fit perspective.
Bio
Stephen Zhang is a professor of entrepreneurship at the University of Adelaide. He studies how entrepreneurs and top management teams behave under uncertainties. Stephen has published articles in top journals in entrepreneurship (e.g. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice), management (e.g. Academy of Management Journal) as well as COVID-19 research in health journals. His work has been featured in major media outlets (e.g., Yahoo; MSN; HuffPost; the Age; Sydney Morning Herald). Stephen is the founding director of the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship and Innovation Society (APEIS). Stephen has worked previously in University of Sydney, Catholic University of Chile, and National University of Singapore. Prior to his academic career, Stephen has worked in several industries and has founded startups. Stephen received his Bachelor Degree at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, and his Ph.D. from the National University of Singapore. Prior to his academic career, Stephen has founded ventures and worked in several industries including engineering, management consultancy, market research, and innovation management.
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