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The Characteristics Of An Entrepreneur

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Our world is going through an entrepreneurial revolution. A lot of research has been carried in an attempt to define entrepreneurship while more and more people are being encouraged to become entrepreneurs. The following study based on the stream of literature and researches on entrepreneurship focuses on the concept of the entrepreneur and explore his background, his characteristics and the factors that influences entrepreneurship.
The Entrepreneur: A definition
Gartner (1990), while reviewing the theories of entrepreneurship notes that it is a complex concept with not even an agreed definition of its scope. Although attempts have been made as early as the eighteenth century to identify the role of the entrepreneur, opinions are still as diverse as they were. On one hand there are stereotypical characteristics of entrepreneurs like they are born leaders, optimists, charismatic, extremely self-confident and they inspire people. On the other hand, anyone who works for himself or owns a business calls himself an entrepreneur. There have also been several debates to differentiate entrepreneurs from small business owners and managers (Schumpeter 1934). The word means different things to different people.
The word entrepreneur appeared in the …show more content…

Social learning theorists focus on community/society, upbringing, parents, situations and environment to analyse the entrepreneurial process. Family experience with business and educational level were found to be significant factors in fostering entrepreneurial interests. Shapero and Sokol (1982) argued that mothers and fathers are the most powerful agents in instilling an entrepreneurial mindset. Surveys also pointed out that self-employed or entrepreneur parents can trigger a positive environment for entrepreneurial development. Parents’ profession, the relationship with parents, social status and order have figured in research as determinants of

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