Why optimists tend to make poor business decisions - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Why optimists tend to make poor business decisions

Press Trust of India | By
Oct 07, 2018 03:11 PM IST

Optimism may not be a good thing if you are involved in business, according to a new study, which shows that pessimists are less likely to proceed with unpromising entrepreneurial ventures.

Optimistic thinking is leading people to set up businesses that have no realistic prospect of financial success, according to a study, which has found that pessimists are less likely to proceed with unpromising entrepreneurial ventures.

Optmists have a tendency to overestimate their chances of doing well and underestimate their probability of failure.(Shutterstock)
Optmists have a tendency to overestimate their chances of doing well and underestimate their probability of failure.(Shutterstock)

The research from the University of Bath, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and Cardiff University in the UK, explores the financial consequences of becoming an entrepreneur for optimists — people with a tendency to overestimate their chances of doing well and underestimate their probability of failure.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Tracking individuals as they move from paid employment to setting up their own business venture, the study found that business owners with above average optimism earned some 30% less than those with below average optimism. Many of the optimists would have been well advised to remain an employee, according to the study published in European Economic Review. Despite entrepreneurs earning on average less, working longer hours and bearing more risk than their counterparts in paid employment, optimists are more likely than most to mistakenly think they have found a good business opportunity and that they have what it takes to exploit it successfully.

Realists and pessimists are less likely to proceed with unpromising entrepreneurial ventures. Studies consistently report that about 80% of the population have an overly optimistic outlook. This can increase ambition and persistence, encourage others to cooperate, and generally enhance performance. Ominously though, basing choices on faulty assessments also leads to participation in activities doomed to fail.

“Our results suggest that too many people are starting business ventures, at least as far as personal returns are concerned,” said Chris Dawson, an associate professor at the University of Bath. “As a society, we celebrate optimism and entrepreneurial thinking but when the two combine it pays to take a reality check,” said Dawson.

“Pessimism may not generally be seen as a desirable trait but it does protect people from taking on poor entrepreneurial projects,” he said.

Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter

Oscars 2024: From Nominees to Red Carpet Glam! Get Exclusive Coverage on HT. Click Here

Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On