A friend or a foe? Exploring the paradoxes of entrepreneurial anger from a decision-making perspective

Purpose This study aims to investigate the dual impact of anger on decision-making, addressing the gap in understanding its paradoxical nature in entrepreneurial contexts. Design/methodology/approach Using an integrative approach, this study synthesises insights from the appraisal theory of emotion, affect infusion model, emotional intelligence framework, broaden-and-build theory and resource-based view to provide a comprehensive review and analysis of entrepreneurial anger and its psychological foundations. Findings Anger exhibits a paradoxical duality influencing entrepreneurial decision-making and behaviour. This duality manifests across several dimensions. Cognitively, it can sharpen focus or lead to fixation; emotionally, it may energise or overwhelm; motivationally, it can spur action or provoke recklessness; volitionally, it may enhance determination or induce impulsivity; and behaviourally, it can lead to strategic assertiveness or reactive aggression. Research limitations/implications Although this theoretical examination reveals the paradoxical nature of entrepreneurial anger, future empirical studies are needed to explore its temporal evolution, cross-cultural variances and interactions with other emotional states. This research should help validate the proposed dimensions and implications of entrepreneurial anger in real-world settings. Practical implications Understanding the paradoxical nature of entrepreneurial anger is vital for entrepreneurs. recognising its dual properties allows them to mitigate the anger’s negative consequences while leveraging its potential as a strategic asset. To transform anger into a strategic asset, entrepreneurs need to augment their self-awareness, hone emotion regulation skills and cultivate deliberation-based decision-making approaches. At an organisational level, entrepreneurs should foster a culture where emotions are openly acknowledged and addressed, as well as constructively managed. This can help turn anger into an entrepreneurial performance driver. Social implications By promoting a deeper understanding of entrepreneurial anger, this research can foster healthier entrepreneurial ecosystems where emotions are acknowledged, understood and managed effectively, leading to more sustainable and harmonious entrepreneurial ventures. Originality/value This work offers a holistic conceptual analysis of entrepreneurial anger elucidating its paradoxical properties and implications.