Effects of achievement motivation and skill training on the entrepreneurial behavior of black businessmen

Abstract

An 18-mo study was made of a training program designed to increase entrepreneurial activities among blacks. The program consisted of two parts: achievement motivation and management development training. Posttraining measures indicated that motivation trained participants increased their TAT achievement motivation scores and became less “external” on the locus of reinforcement control scale. Subsequently, a group which received both achievement motivation training and management development training became significantly more active (hours worked, new investments, employees hired, etc.) than a group receiving only management development training or control group. Finally, subjects with an “internal” perception of reinforcement control were significantly more active than “externals.” The data suggested that an “internal” perception might be a prior condition to increased business activity.