The Relationship of Achievement Motivation to Entrepreneurial Behavior: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is a major factor in the national economy; thus, it is important to understand the motivational characteristics spurring people to become entrepreneurs and why some are more successful than others. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of the relationship between achievement motivation and variables associated with entrepreneurial behavior. We found that achievement motivation was significantly correlated with both choice of an entrepreneurial career and entrepreneurial performance. Further, we found that both projective and self-report measures of achievement motivation were valid. Finally, known group studies yielded a higher validity coefficient than did individual difference studies.

Personality Traits of Entrepreneurs: A Review of Recent Literature

“…Zhao and Seibert (2006) find that entrepreneurs and managers are similar in dependability, but entrepreneurs score significantly higher than managers in the achievement facet. In a meta-analysis of 41 studies, Collins et al (2004) also conclude that individuals who pursue entrepreneurial careers are significantly higher in achievement motivation than individuals who pursue other types of careers, and Stewart and Roth (2007) similarly conclude that entrepreneurs are more achievement-oriented than managers. It is frequently hypothesized that those with high achievement motivation are drawn to environments in which success is more closely attributed to their own efforts, rather than a larger institutional setting in which business success or failure is less a function of one's individual efforts.…”

Factors Associated with Entrepreneurial Intentions in Doctor of Pharmacy Students

“…15 40 Achievement has been seen as a basic human need and has been associated with entrepreneurship. 33 41 It has also been associated with entrepreneurial career choice, 41 although this has been questioned. 33 The Entrepreneurial Drive scale was based on two previously validated instruments.…”

Hair Dressing Entrepreneurs’ Motivation, Personality and Business Performance Research

“…Collins et al (2004) used the meta-analysis method to analyze entrepreneurial achievement motivation and entrepreneurial behavior, the result confirmed that motivation affects entrepreneurial career and their business performance. Huang Baodong (2006) studied the relevance among Taiwan SME business personality, entrepreneur's motivation, entrepreneurial strategy and business performance, the results showed that entrepreneur entrepreneur's motivation has a significant effect on Business Performance.…”