Entrepreneurship and Debt: Growth Aversion, Debt Aversion, Overconfidence, and the Effects on Small Business Credit Decisions
Citation
Export citationBell, K. (2012). Entrepreneurship and Debt: Growth Aversion, Debt Aversion, Overconfidence, and the Effects on Small Business Credit Decisions (Thesis, Master of Management Studies (MMS)). University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10289/7025
Permanent Research Commons link: https://hdl.handle.net/10289/7025
Abstract
Widespread empirical consistency with the pecking order theory of capital structure (Myers & Majluf, 1984) has led researchers to conclude that small and medium sized enterprises conform to this theory’s predictions. In chapter 2, a formal model is presented that allows for plausible and empirically supported psychological owner/manager objectives in addition to the profit motive. This chapter provides an alternative explanation of preferences for low leverage that does not rely on informational asymmetry, as well as predicting limits on firm sizes, and the existence of collateral.
In chapter 3, a formal model of the entrepreneurship decision with credit is presented for firms with managers who overestimate their probability of success. Explanations for credit rationing, predatory lending, and the existence of collateral are produced and the welfare implications of overconfidence are investigated in an equilibrium model. It is found that overconfidence can increase overall welfare but harms entrepreneurs who are able to engage in poor projects.
Date
2012Type
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Publisher
University of Waikato
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- Masters Degree Theses [2470]