Exploring Big Five personality traits and gender as predictors of entrepreneurs’ cognitive adaptability

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to explore the predictive role of personality and gender in cognitive adaptability of entrepreneurs. By using the theories of personality development, social learning, situated cognition and meta-cognition, a logical relationship between personality traits, gender difference and entrepreneurs’ cognitive adaptability was established.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative strategy and cross-sectional survey method was then deployed to empirically investigate the purposed relationships between variables of interest. Randomly selected 443 working entrepreneurs responded to the survey.FindingsFactor analyzed structural equation modeling estimated cognitive adaptability as a second-order factor, with extroversion and neuroticism having a significant impact on cognitive adaptability. Multi-group moderation revealed a significant difference among females and males against the same two personality traits.Originality/valueThis study in its nature is the first attempt to link Big Five personality traits with cognitive adaptability of entrepreneurs.