The Psychology of an Entrepreneur: An Investigation of Entrepreneurial Motivations, Behaviours and Traits

Abstract

This study aims to identify entrepreneurial behaviours, motivations, and traits amongst a sample of entrepreneurs based in Edinburgh. This is to determine whether these attributes are exclusive to the entrepreneurial culture. Behaviour, motivation and traits have been hotly examined throughout history but a specific focus regarding entrepreneurs is a reasonably new concept. This study attempts to determine whether exclusive attributes exist in an entrepreneur culture, and the potential nature of these, using a qualitative approach. Interviews were conducted to explore participants’ views and experiences of entrepreneurial culture. Following this, the observational Rorschach test was given to the entrepreneurial participants, as well as to a control group consisting of four average individuals, in order to look for unique entrepreneurial characteristics. A trend was found in participants’ description of an unknown driving force influencing new enterprise creation. It became clear that a collection of drives rather than an individual stimulus is required for such creation. These might be exclusive on a personal level but not to the entrepreneurial culture as a whole. Entrepreneurial behaviour remains unspecified as no further evidence was found. Entrepreneurial personality was examined using the Rorschach test to determine uniqueness, and found an idiosyncratic mindset. Key words: Entrepreneurial behaviour, entrepreneurial motivation, entrepreneurial traits, entrepreneurial personality, entrepreneurial mindset.