Cross-Cultural Implications of Linguistic Future Time Reference and Institutional Voids on Social Entrepreneurship

Posted: 16 Jul 2020

See all articles by Diana Hechavarria

Diana Hechavarria

University of South Florida

Steven A. Brieger

University of Sussex

Siri Terjesen

Florida Atlantic University

Date Written: June 23, 2020

Abstract

This paper links linguistic relativity and institutional theories to examine whether people who speak futured languages are more likely to start social ventures. Linguistic relativity theory describes how the structure of language shapes thought. Institutional theorizing examines informal and formal institutions’ effect on individuals’ cognition and behavior, including entrepreneurial activity. Using a sample of over 180,000 individuals in 70 countries and 40 languages, we find that individuals who speak languages with strong future tense reference (FTR) – that is “futured languages” – are more likely to engage in social entrepreneurship, particularly in countries with significant institutional voids.

Keywords: Future Time Reference, Institutional Voids, Language, Linguistic Relativity, Social Entrepreneurship

Suggested Citation

Hechavarria, Diana and Brieger, Steven A. and Terjesen, Siri, Cross-Cultural Implications of Linguistic Future Time Reference and Institutional Voids on Social Entrepreneurship (June 23, 2020). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3634263

Diana Hechavarria (Contact Author)

University of South Florida ( email )

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Steven A. Brieger

University of Sussex ( email )

Sussex House
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Brighton, Sussex BNI 9RH
United Kingdom

Siri Terjesen

Florida Atlantic University ( email )

Boca Raton, FL 33431
United States

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