Entrepreneurship training and entrepreneurs' perceptions of ability: A randomized control trial in Tanzania

• 成果类型: Article; Early Access
• 署名作者: Bacco, Francesca; Coali, Andrea; Wormald, Audra
• 署名单位: University of Milano-Bicocca; University of North Carolina; University of North Carolina Chapel Hill; University of North Carolina School of Medicine
• 刊物名称: STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT JOURNAL
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0143-2095
• DOI: 10.1002/smj.70117
• 发表日期: 2026
• 关键词: SELF-REGULATORY MECHANISMS; ENACTIVE EXPLORATION; efficacy; performance; IMPACT; motivation; strategy; DECISION; beliefs; uncertainty

摘要

Research Summary This study examines whether training entrepreneurs to apply systematic approaches to strategic decision-making influences their self-perception of ability. Using a field experiment in which 151 entrepreneurs in Tanzania were randomly assigned to two different versions of entrepreneurial training (an evidence-based vs. a theory-and-evidence-based approach), we find entrepreneurs in the theory-and-evidence-based condition experience a larger and more persistent increase in their self-perception of ability to deal with challenges compared to the evidence-based condition. Additionally, entrepreneurs across the two conditions respond differently to the training depending on their initial levels of perceived ability. By integrating insights from social cognitive psychology, this study contributes to research on entrepreneurial experimentation by uncovering the effect of strategic decision-making training on individuals themselves, not just their ventures' outcomes.Managerial Summary Entrepreneurs' self-perceptions of ability are critical for how they engage with learning opportunities and respond to challenges that arise as they develop their businesses. To explore how different versions of training on strategic decision-making impact entrepreneurs' self-perceived abilities to deal with such challenges, we conducted a field experiment with Tanzanian agribusiness entrepreneurs. Results show that entrepreneurs who learn to develop a theory-of-value before engaging in experimentation experience a larger increase in self-perceived ability compared to those who experiment without such a theory-of-value, and this effect persists for longer. Our results have practical value for entrepreneurs and support organizations offering training programs and point to self-perception of ability as an important factor to help entrepreneurs follow the behavioral advice they receive during those trainings.