Who can Practice Islamic Entrepreneurship: A Review of Recent Literature on Personality Traits

Abstract

Does personality matter when entrepreneurship endeavors are driven by Islamic values and religious practices? To understand this, the study reviewed the research on the relationship between personality and practicing Islamic Entrepreneurship. More specifically, the study proposed a conceptual model after reviewing the literature to show what personality traits and characteristics become important when Islamic religious values and practices guide entrepreneurial activities, therefore, appear as critical contextual factors. The study identified traits and characteristics such as initiative, excellence, honesty, patience, knowledge, ethics, social responsibility, and customer orientation having a robust relationship with the manifestation of opportunity exploration and opportunity exploitation when individuals adhere to Islamic values system during the business venturing. Though, personality research in the field of Entrepreneurship is criticized, however, religion as a contextual variable shapes personality towards the way how Entrepreneurship is practiced. The study is concluded with the limitation and future lines of inquiry.