ENTREPRENEURIAL PASSION AND BEHAVIORS: OPPORTUNITY RECOGNITION AS A MEDIATOR.

We examined the relationships among entrepreneurial passion, opportunity recognition, and entrepreneurial behaviors. Entrepreneurial passion includes the intense positive feelings originating from engagement in entrepreneurial activities and the centrality of these activities for entrepreneurs’ self-identity. The empirical study was conducted using data from 195 entrepreneurs in new Chinese companies. Results showed that entrepreneurial passion had a significant impact on opportunity recognition and entrepreneurial behaviors. Further, opportunity recognition partly mediated the relationship between entrepreneurial passion and entrepreneurial behaviors. Entrepreneurs with entrepreneurial passion are, therefore, more likely than others are to identify opportunities and start new ventures. Theoretical and practical implications for entrepreneurship are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]