Complexity theory of entrepreneur characteristics

Abstract

This research constructs configural models in order to analyze multiple relationships among entrepreneur characteristics (antecedents) and successful/failed entrepreneurship (outcome). This study uses fuzzy sets/qualitative comparative analysis as the research method to construct the multiple relationships after collecting data on entrepreneurs in Taiwan who are still running their business longer than average (long-lived businesses), those who started businesses below average in duration (short-lived businesses), and those who have failed in their entrepreneurship experiences. From 5-point Likert scale measurements utilized in the questionnaires, this study finds relationships that are combinations of antecedents instead of any single one, with one relationship for long-lived and one for short-lived businesses, which are similar but with two antecedents of opposite values. There are six relationships for failed entrepreneurs, showing that different combinations of antecedents can lead to the same outcome. We are surprised to see negative extraversion in the relationship for the successful entrepreneurs for long-lived businesses and positive neuroticism in that for those for short-lived businesses. The six relationships for failed entrepreneurs provide a reference for people making the entrepreneurial decision, and the configural models for successful/failed entrepreneurs differ from the single equations in past literature. Lastly, the configural models summarize the characteristics for entrepreneurs, which can help people make a proper entrepreneurial decision.