The Entrepreneurial Personality in the Context of Resources, Environment, and the Startup Process—A Configurational Approach

Abstract

The goal of this interdisciplinary study is to analyze the entrepreneurial personality in the context of resources, environment, and the startup process based on a configurational approach. The study focuses on the startup process. A questionnaire was developed to measure the configuration areas of personality, personal resources, environment, and organizing activities. A representative sample of 1,169 nascent entrepreneurs and new business owner-managers was examined. Three startup configurations were found which reveal different patterns of personality characteristics. These patterns are interpreted in the context of aspects of the environment, the resources, and the startup process.

Personality Traits of Entrepreneurs: A Review of Recent Literature

“…Many researchers have found that a high need for achievement predicts entry into entrepreneurship, although this finding is sometimes challenged in specific contexts. Among the settings discussed above, the higher need for achievement is evident in the studies of the Austrian entrepreneurs (Korunka et al, 2003) and the Turkish students (Gürol and Atsan, 2006), but not in the study of Swedish entrepreneurship students (Hansemark, 2003). Comparing four Austrian studies, Frank et al (2007) conclude that the need for achievement selects individuals for entry into entrepreneurship.…”

“…This echoes earlier findings by Evans and Leighton (1989), and many studies find parallel results. In a cross-sectional study, Korunka et al (2003) measure that Austrian entrepreneurs (defined as "successful new owner-managers") have a strong internal LOC compared to "nascent entrepreneurs." Gürol and Atsan (2006) find that Turkish students who are more entrepreneurially inclined have a higher LOC.…”

“…Looking to non-Big-5 traits, Korunka et al (2003) survey 1,169 nascent entrepreneurs and new business owner-managers in Austria to study their action patterns. Of 627 new business owner-managers, 153 who meet success criteria also display a high need for achievement, high internal LOC, and medium risk-taking propensity.…”

Entrepreneurial Cognition

“…Teachers of entrepreneurship classes tend to center their instruction on teaching students to "think outside the box" or to "color outside the lines" since most believe these actions will lead to success in the entrepreneurial context. Researchers explore how entrepreneurs are different from others in terms of their knowledge , personality (Korunka et al 2003), motivation (Naffziger et al 1994), and cognition . Given our interest in difference as being essential to entrepreneurial behavior and action (and constituting the basis for entrepreneurs' fulfillment of their distinctiveness needs), it is crucial to concurrently think about existing studies suggesting that when individuals distinguish themselves as entrepreneurs, they may not be fulfilling their belongingness needs.…”

Entrepreneurial Identity

“…Teachers of entrepreneurship classes tend to center their instruction on teaching students to "think outside the box" or to "color outside the lines" since most believe these actions will lead to success in the entrepreneurial context. Researchers explore how entrepreneurs are different from others in terms of their knowledge (Shane 2000), personality (Korunka et al 2003), motivation (Naffziger et al 1994), and cognition (Busenitz and Barney 1997). Given our interest in difference as being essential to entrepreneurial behavior and action (and constituting the basis for entrepreneurs' fulfillment of their distinctiveness needs), it is crucial to concurrently think about existing studies suggesting that when individuals distinguish themselves as entrepreneurs, they may not be fulfilling their belongingness needs.…”