U. (Umut) Yalcin MSc

Uncertainty plagues the managerial and entrepreneurial realms. Rising evidence from studies of experienced entrepreneurs and managers indicate the existence of a set of cognitive competencies that these individuals rely on to navigate the uncertainty they face. Yet, as practically important as it is, there is a lack of knowledge on how these competencies can be developed. Integrating insights from cognitive and social psychology with strategic management and entrepreneurship research, in this PhD project, we will investigate how individuals can be supported, or trained, to think and behave more like expert entrepreneurs and managers under uncertainty. To do so, we will conduct three experimental studies in search of malleable cognitive antecedents of three key entrepreneurial competencies: effective reasoning, foresight, and cognitive adaptability. Our aim is to enrich the existing understanding of the origins of these competencies and contribute novel insights to the management and entrepreneurship education and practice.