Entrepreneurial intention: is it influenced by personality and gender factors?

Abstract

Studying entrepreneurship is important for global economic development. Throughout history, research has been conducted on the external factors that
promote entrepreneurship and little attention has been given to the psychological factors that influence entrepreneurial intentions in people. The following study examines the effect of gender and the five major personality traits encompassed in entrepreneurial intentions. The sample consisted of 200 university students. The results indicate that there is no significant difference between men and women in relation with entrepreneurial intentions. In addition, the study found that the personality traits such as extroversion and openness to new experiences tend to be related with entrepreneurial intentions. Contrary to neuroticism, agreeableness and conscientiousness, which did not represent a significant effect on entrepreneurial intentions.