Karel J. Samsom

Do entrepreneurial attributes change during the life courses of enterprises and entrepreneurs

This paper examines the relationship between entrepreneurial attributes and life stages of entrepreneurs and enterprises in a sample of 276 entrepreneurs. Findings revealed that most attributes remained constant across the life stages of the enterprises. Yet, as was expected, flexibility and awareness of opportunities became less characteristic as the enterprise moved from the start-up stage through its entrepreneurial and maturity stage. The attributes achievement orientation, assertiveness, awareness of opportunity and integrity became less characteristic across the life stages of the entrepreneur. The results are in contrast with the findings of the maturity model of personality development (Roberts, Robin 2004) but confirm organizational and vocational choice models (Schneider, Goldstein, and Smith 1995). A self-selection principle is probably at work: individuals who score very high on entrepreneurial attributes are attracted to this vocation but over their lifetime the scores on these attributes converge to more average levels.

Entrepreneurial Behavior: New Perspectives Gained Through the Critical Incident Technique

Responding to criticism of the trait approach in studying entrepreneurship, a process and context oriented methodology was applied using the Critical Incident Technique (CIT) in predicting success and failure. The actions of entrepreneurs were subsequently translated into (1) dynamic traits with a subdivision in attitudes, sentiments and ergs; (2) abilities and (3) temperaments. The CIT blends qualitative and quantitative approaches in the study of entrepreneurial behaviour. A material difference among incidents appeared in the various life cycle phases investigated. The researchers further found that specific questions combined with using the CIT generated more differentiated outcomes than the use of general questions.