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<p>This study explores the link between CEO cognitive flexibility and SME performance by testing a moderated mediation model. It examines how strategic entrepreneurial behaviors (SEBs) mediate the relationship between CEO flexibility and SME outcomes, with market uncertainty moderating this effect. Survey data from 274 Russian SMEs (collected Sept–Dec 2021) support a positive relationship between CEO cognitive flexibility and SME performance, mediated by SEBs. Market uncertainty further strengthens the SEBs–performance link. This research enhances understanding of how CEO cognitive traits influence firm success in dynamic contexts. It extends upper echelons theory by demonstrating that cognitive flexibility promotes entrepreneurial behaviors driving performance, and contributes to contingency theory by identifying market uncertainty as a boundary condition boosting SEB effectiveness. The findings offer key insights on how flexible leadership fosters innovation and adaptability to sustain SME performance amid unpredictable markets.</p>

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CEO cognitive flexibility, strategic entrepreneurial behaviors, and SME performance: the role of market uncertainty

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月30日

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  • Milekhina Yana,
  • Galina Shirokova,
  • Aleksandra Zakharova,
  • Younggeun Lee

摘要

This study explores the link between CEO cognitive flexibility and SME performance by testing a moderated mediation model. It examines how strategic entrepreneurial behaviors (SEBs) mediate the relationship between CEO flexibility and SME outcomes, with market uncertainty moderating this effect. Survey data from 274 Russian SMEs (collected Sept–Dec 2021) support a positive relationship between CEO cognitive flexibility and SME performance, mediated by SEBs. Market uncertainty further strengthens the SEBs–performance link. This research enhances understanding of how CEO cognitive traits influence firm success in dynamic contexts. It extends upper echelons theory by demonstrating that cognitive flexibility promotes entrepreneurial behaviors driving performance, and contributes to contingency theory by identifying market uncertainty as a boundary condition boosting SEB effectiveness. The findings offer key insights on how flexible leadership fosters innovation and adaptability to sustain SME performance amid unpredictable markets.