Entrepreneur and Entrepreneurial characteristics

Bjerke (2007) argued that it is not possible to define entrepreneur or to present a model or method of operating and supporting an entrepreneurial venture. However, Rodermund (2004) found that entrepreneur is individual who bring about improvement both for other individuals and for society as a whole. Entrepreneur is known for creating new products, processes and services. Entrepreneur can be found in all sorts of professions. However, Zimmerer & Scarborough (1998) argued that entrepreneurs are found only in business. They stated that entrepreneur is an individual who creates a new business in the face of risk and uncertainty for one purpose of achieving profit and growth, by identifying opportunities and assembling the necessary resources to capitalize on them.

Entrepreneurial characteristics are so common in wider range of studies such as high need for achievement, creativity and initiatives, risk taking and self confidence, internal locus of control, need of independence and autonomy, accomplishing task with great energy and commitment and persistence in following one’s aims (Bjerke, 2007)

Similarly, Johnson (2001) stated that entrepreneur is individual who takes agency and initiatives. A person who assumes responsibility of making things happens; a person who is able to create novelty, manage risks and processes. Moreover entrepreneur is an individual who identifies bright endpoints even when faced with obstacles and difficulties. Carland et al (1984) defined entrepreneur as the person who starts a business. However he made two distinct types of business owner managers who start businesses, which are Entrepreneurs and Small business owners. Whereas entrepreneurs capitalise on innovative combination of resources for principle purpose of profit and growth while  using strategic management practices; small business owners operates business as an extension of the individual’s personality to further personal goals and to produce family income. That is to say not all people with businesses are entrepreneurs rather some are small business owners. However other studies call both of them as entrepreneurs (Johnson 2001; Gartner 1988; Mescon and Montanari 1981; Bird 1988; Beugelsdijk & Noordenhaven, 2005)

Johnson (2001) argued that there is a difference between a person called entrepreneur and pattern or attitudes and behaviour that could be called entrepreneurial. The attitudes and behavioural of entrepreneurship are mostly found in entrepreneurs; however not everybody need to be an entrepreneur to possess them. These qualities can be fostered within individuals at all level within organizations. On top of that anyone can display facets of entrepreneurial behaviour as they can be assessed and developed. They assist individuals to engage with their tasks, their customers, their own and organizations. Example of entrepreneurial attitudes and behaviours are such as; motivation to achieve and compete, taking ownership and being accountable, tolerance of ambiguity and uncertainty, manage and ultimately reduce risks,considering,discussing and formulating a vision, capacity to make impact and persistence and determination in the face of challenge. Further to that, Stewart et al (1998) argued that entrepreneur is more achievement oriented than the general population. This is because an entrepreneur is individual who is sparked by the recognition of an opportunity, through the act of volition or intention to formulate a business venture. Entrepreneur is the catalyst of the process of entrepreneurship of venture creation.

For the purpose of this study the illustration by (Stewart et al , 1998)) is used as the definition of entrepreneur.