The Happy-Productive Entrepreneur: A Systematic Literature Review on Entrepreneurial Well-Being

In recent years, entrepreneurial well-being has enjoyed significant theoretical and empirical interest. However, entrepreneurial well-being remains conceptually fragmented, with inconsistent definitions and conflicting evidence regarding its determinants and outcomes. By conducting a systematic literature review of 57 articles in top tier academic journals, we aim to gain a better understanding of the key dimensions of entrepreneurial well-being, its determinants in terms of positive personal traits, as well as its effects on business outcomes. Our findings suggest that entrepreneurial well-being comprises multiple dimensions. Further, we find mixed evidence on the relationship between positive personal traits and well-being. Also, while well-being is generally positively linked to business outcomes, ill-being is sometimes paradoxically related to short-term benefits. We emphasize the need for standardized measures and longitudinal studies to advance research and practical application in the field.