Date of Graduation

8-2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (PhD)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Management

Advisor/Mentor

Ridge, Jason W.

Committee Member

Simon, Lauren

Second Committee Member

Petrenko, Oleg

Keywords

entrepreneurs; investors; political polarization

Abstract

In the current political climate, understanding political identity alignment or misalignment between stakeholders is critical. Indeed, today’s climate of political polarization likely not only affects political behavior or social interactions but is likely to spill over into resource allocation behavior by groups and individuals. The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the influence of political signals between the investor and the entrepreneur in shaping an investor’s funding decision. Further, while the funding outcomes relating to political signals are critical, it is likewise imperative to advance our understanding of the mechanisms shaping investor perceptions. Thus, this dissertation investigates key mechanisms at play that mediate and moderate the relationship between political alignment dynamics and funding. By utilizing an experimental design and two studies to test the hypotheses, this dissertation contributes to both theory and practice in terms of how political signals influence perceptions of entrepreneurs and the willingness to invest into those entrepreneurs.

Available for download on Monday, October 14, 2024

Share

COinS