Date of Award
Spring 5-11-2013
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Executive Doctorate in Business (EDB)
Department
Business
First Advisor
Dr. Karen Diane Loch
Second Advisor
Dr. David Robert Beard
Third Advisor
Dr. Steven Scott Dionne
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Pam Scholder Ellen
Abstract
Individuals utilize heuristics in order to simplify problems, which may lead to biases in decision-making. The research question of this study is: “How does the affect heuristic impact the investment process of private equity decision-makers reviewing proposals?” Through an exploratory multi-case analysis, insight is provided into complex private equity decisions by studying biases in the investment process. This is a study of private equity groups’ (PEG) decision-making process when they consider businesses for investment. Qualitative data was generated from semi-structured interviews with twenty private equity decision-makers. The deliberative heuristics applied in the teaser review are learned from process experience and guide the deliberation on whether to proceed. Simplifying heuristics are applied in the more informal review process. Organizational learning was exhibited as the PEGs have modified their investment structures based on previous experiences. The study indicates that experience and learning lead to the construction of an affect heuristic that subsequently impacts investments. It also confirms the need for strategic decision-makers to recognize their own biases and adjust their processes accordingly.
A significant practical implication of this study is the insight provided into the views of the PEG decision-makers as they anticipate the need to supplement the management team is helpful to business owners and their advisors. The study highlights the opportunities for biases in PEG decision-making processes. Accessing decision-makers at larger PEGs and approaching more middle market firms would broaden the results.
A paper based on this dissertation is available from Wiley at https://doi.org/10.1111/jsbm.12451.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/4292033
Recommended Citation
Sinyard, David B., "The Investment Process Used By Private Equity Firms: Does The Affect Heuristic Impact Decision-Making?." Dissertation, Georgia State University, 2013.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/4292033