The Psychology of the Entrepreneur

Posted: 4 Nov 2009

Date Written: 1982

Abstract

This chapter surveys the psychological literature on entrepreneurs, published prior to 1982, including research on their personal characteristics and previous personal and business experiences. There is no well-defined population of entrepreneurs (due to lack of consensus on definition), so comparisons and generalizations are dangerous; however, there is some consistency in psychological characteristics. Three categories of research are discussed. (1) Psychological characteristics. A causal link between high need for achievement and small business ownership is not found; an internal locus-of-control belief does not distinguish entrepreneurs, but may identify successful ones; propensity for risk-taking may not be related to either entrepreneurship decision or success; personal values (need for achievement, independence, and effective leadership) may effectively distinguish successful entrepreneurs from the general population. (2) Effects of previous experience. Dissatisfaction with previous jobs (except pay) characterizes entrepreneurs; an unemployed person is more likely to start a business; and a large percentage of entrepreneurs had role models who were entrepreneurs. (3) Personal characteristics associated with entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurial decisions are most likely made between ages 25 and 40; entrepreneurs are better educated than the general population; and entrepreneurs are likely to remain in their home area. The research is synthesized into a tentative model of the entrepreneur. Future research subjects and methods are proposed. (TNM)

Keywords: Role models, Psychological traits, Entrepreneurial orientation, Background (biographical), Locus of control, Risk orientation, Personal values, Individual traits

Suggested Citation

Brockhaus, Robert H., The Psychology of the Entrepreneur (1982). University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership Historical Research Reference in Entrepreneurship, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1497760

Robert H. Brockhaus (Contact Author)

affiliation not provided to SSRN

No Address Available

Do you have a job opening that you would like to promote on SSRN?

Paper statistics

Abstract Views
44,309
PlumX Metrics