The experience dilemma: A nonlinear exploration of antecedents to entrepreneurial alertness

Although it seems instinctual for individuals to leverage their international experience and time in assignment to enhance their entrepreneurial alertness (EA), we present an admonition of such strategies. Data from 210 expatriates reveal the nonlinear effects of these predictors on EA. Although some international experience and time in assignment heighten EA, too much of it has a diminished marginal effect (negative squared term). Based on the antecedents-benefits-costs (ABC) framework, these findings refute a simple linear view of the effects of international experience and time in assignment while providing pivotal theoretical and practical implications. Finally, these relationships are impacted by the perceived institutional distance between the home and host countries.