From belief to action: How constructive rule beliefs influence rule-breaking in entrepreneurial settings

Senlin Zhang, Peter O’Connor, Elliroma Gardiner and Jack Adams

Journal of Small Business Management, 2025, vol. 63, issue 5, 2288-2319

Abstract: Although entrepreneurs are widely thought of as “rule-breakers,” there has been little academic research into the role rule-breaking serves in the entrepreneurial context and what drives entrepreneurs to break rules. In this study, we explored a potential cognitive cause of rule-breaking: constructive rule beliefs (CRB). CRB is characterized by the belief that rules are imperfect and should guide rather than dictate behavior. Across two experimental studies, we explored the causal role of CRB on rule-breaking behavior in samples of entrepreneurs and professionals. The experimental design involved two entrepreneurial scenarios in which participants made a series of rule-breaking decisions. The results showed that manipulating CRB causally impacts goal-directed rule-breaking, suggesting that entrepreneurial rule-breaking may stem from morally evolved beliefs, not necessarily moral corruption.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/00472778.2024.2431243

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