Job Security and Entrepreneurship: Enemies or Allies?

Abstract

In a synthesis of the relevant social cognition, human resources, stakeholder, and entrepreneurship literatures, this article explores how perceptions about entrepreneurship affect entrepreneurial behavior and job security seeking. Definitions and reasons for the apparent incompatibility of entrepreneurship and job security are analyzed, with the impact of cognitions about the two terms being addressed. Next, a model of when and how entrepreneurship vs. traditional job seeking may be the chosen method of economic security is proposed. This Steady State Model of Security Seeking in an Imperfect Economy describes a cyclical process in which individuals make three fundamental decisions concerning their economic security. Finally, arguments are presented in support of the conclusion that entrepreneurship can reliably provide an alternative to the traditional job seeking means of obtaining economic security.