A Psychological Typology Of Successful Entrepreneurs

Can psychological factors effectively predict entrepreneurial performance? Drawing upon studies of over 700 entrepreneurial subjects in 10 different samples, Miner settles the issue: yes, they can. He identifies four kinds of people who are capable of achieving entrepreneurial success—but notes that to actually achieve success, they must follow a career route that fits their personalities. Miner's new book is thus a detailed scholarly report on an extensive 20-year research program that focuses on psychological predictors of entrepreneurial activity and success, and a carefully devised, solidly grounded theory to explain why his observations are true. He also discusses the implications for personal career development, entrepreneur selection, entrepreneurship development programs, the assessment of entrepreneurial talent, and related topics crucial not only to entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs themselves, but to their various stakeholders including those with investments in them. Part I of the book reviews the typologies used in the entrepreneurship literature and the various opinions on the value of psychological factors in predicting entrepreneurial success. It then sets forth the four-way psychological typology underpinning Miner's research and the various theoretical extensions of that typology. This section of the book closes with a chapter presenting case examples of the various types, and the ways they can achieve or fail to achieve success. Part II deals with measurement and design considerations, and with the two primary research tests of the theory—a seven-year predictive study of established entrepreneurs and a six-year predictive study of graduate business students enrolled in entrepreneurship classes. Part III reports on three studies dealing with women entrepreneurs, in contrast to men. It also describes an extensive, six-year predictive study of high-technology entrepreneurs and international research dealing with entrepreneurs in Italy, Israel, Sweden, and post-communist Poland. Part IV considers ways the typology may be used to create entrepreneurship development programs and describes a comprehensive regional development effort extending over seven years. Particular attention is given to methods of assessing entrepreneurial talent, in existing as well as in prospective entrepreneurs, not only to help select them, but also to aid in the investment decision. The book closes with predictions for the future for entrepreneurial practice and for entrepreneurship theory and research.

The psychological study of entrepreneurship is most interesting because small-scale entrepreneurs must work on numerous tasks, such as development, leadership and organization. This text examines predictors of success and entrepreneurial behaviour.

Entrepreneurship is essential for international social and economic well-being, as new ventures are the dominant source of job creation, market innovation, and economic growth in many societies. In this book, a noted group of researchers use findings, methods, and theories of modern psychology as the basis for gaining important, new insights into entrepreneurship-and into the hearts and minds of the talented, passionate professionals who create new business ventures. The Psychology of Entrepreneurship, a volume in the SIOP Organizational Frontiers Series, is the first book written about the psychology of entrepreneurship, and includes over 60 research questions to guide industrial organizational psychology, organizational behavior, and entrepreneurship research about entrepreneurs. It seeks to answer questions such as, how and why do some people, but not others, recognize opportunities, decide to start new ventures, and organize successful, rapidly growing new ventures? Some topics addressed include: methods to help researchers explore the domain of entrepreneurship research; the entire process of starting a new business; characteristics of the individual entrepreneur; the history of entrepreneurship education; the cross-cultural effects of entrepreneurship; and the viewpoints of seasoned psychologists who analyze current entrepreneurship research methods. This book will appeal to teachers, students, and researchers in the areas of industrial organizational psychology, organizational behavior, entrepreneurship, and management.

This unique work bridges the gap between theory and practice in organizational behavior. It provides a practical guide to real-life applications of the 35 most significant theories in the field. The author describes each theory, and then analyzes its usefulness and importance to the successful practice of management. His analysis covers key managerial topics such as goal setting, training and development, assessment, job enrichment, influence processes, decision-making, group processes, organizational development, organizational structuring, and effective organizational operation.

Discover a wealth of issues in the field of consulting psychologywith this landmark book. Explore key topics in assessment andevaluation, building teams, executive coaching, career counseling,interpersonal conflicts and relationships, benefit design,personality testing, and much more. Learn to delineate and betterunderstand the wide array of information you are faced with, andbecome more adept and knowledgeable in the field of consultingpsychology. This comprehensive volume has expert contributorsrecruited by the volume's editor--himself an eminent educator andpractitioner in the field. You will get: * Special issues in consulting to specific types of organizationsincluding industry, schools, government, non-profit, andinternational * Informative guidelines for professional practiceprocedures * Organized sections on individual, group and organizationalissues * And much more!

Based on 20 years of research of a systematic seven-year study of 100 entrepreneurs, this book details the distinctive characteristics of each personality type--Personal Achiever, Supersalespeople, Real Managers, and Expert Idea Generators-- and explains why they succeed or fail.

Researchers and psychologists have spent decades working to dissect and analyze the personality characteristics intrinsic to successful entrepreneurs. While a number of theories have been advanced about what it takes to achieve entrepreneurial success, none have tapped directly into the collective wisdom of the entrepreneurs themselves. In The Five Characteristics of a Successful Entrepreneur, serial entrepreneurs Ryan Westwood and Travis Johnson recount their two year mission to survey 100,000 highly successful U.S. business CEOs and founders whose organizations have grossed at least $1 million in annual revenue. Armed with survey results from more than 2,600 respondents from across the nation, Mr. Westwood and Mr. Johnson take an in-depth look at the five personality traits most commonly identified as essential to entrepreneurial success. Filled with real-life examples, insightful analysis, and action plans at the end of each chapter, The Five Characteristics of a Successful Entrepreneur is an unprecedented journey into the rich, nuanced fabric that has made American entrepreneurs the most savvy and innovative on earth. It is a must-read for any aspiring entrepreneur seeking to follow a clear path to success—and for any accomplished entrepreneur seeking to impart the most salient, relevant advice to the next generation.

Books, magazine articles, and educational programs on entrepreneurship are all based on the idea that anyone can be an entrepreneur—that entrepreneurs are made, not born. Well, maybe not. In a study of 234 CEOs funded by the Kauffman Foundation, James L. Fisher and James V. Koch came up with a surprising conclusion: Some individuals are simply more naturally fitted to become entrepreneurs than others. They are pre-wired. Because of heredity, some people are much more likely to become successful entrepreneurs or pursue entrepreneurial strategies within a corporate setting profitably. By recognizing that, this book will significantly improve corporate selection processes, strengthen entrepreneurship programs, and boost the confidence of aspiring entrepreneurs through invaluable insights. Among other things, Fisher and Koch show that true entrepreneurs not only see the world differently—they act differently. Compared with corporate managers, for example, they are more confident, more decisive, more likely to upset the apple cart, and more energetic. They love to compete but are notable for the partnerships they are able to fashion with friend and foe alike. Such conclusions are remarkable. Why? Because they are based on the only empirical comparison study yet conducted on entrepreneurship. The insights are not based on personal opinion or case studies but on valid and reliable personality indicators. Because the book shows that certain kinds of people will find it much easier to found successful companies than others, it has many practical applications. It will help organizations fit the right people into jobs requiring an entrepreneurial bent. It will challenge corporations to hire entrepreneurial CEOs who will transform businesses rather than maintain the status quo. And it will speak directly to entrepreneurs and those contemplating starting a business, who will learn if they have the right stuff to start and sustain a business. In short, this book provides insights into the entrepreneurial soul that can change the fortunes of individuals and companies for the better.