Towards a Psychology of Entrepreneurship — An Action Theory Perspective
By Michael Frese, National University of Singapore, Singapore and University of Lueneburg, Germany, michfrese@gmail.com
Abstract
This contribution discusses a theory of entrepreneurship, its empirical base, and its implications. First, it argues that a psychological approach is necessary to understand entrepreneurship. Second, it argues that any theory of entrepreneurship should use active actions as a starting point — entrepreneurship is the epitome of an active agent in the market (rather than a reactive agent). Third, it discusses an action regulation theory to better understand the psychology of entrepreneurship. Fourth, it provides examples how this theory can help to understand entrepreneurial success. Finally, I suggest intervention programs to help entrepreneurs to be successful at growing their organizations.
Towards a Psychology of Entrepreneurship
Towards a Psychology of Entrepreneurship examines a theory of entrepreneurship, its empirical base and its implications. First, it argues that a psychological approach is necessary to understand entrepreneurship. Second, it argues that any theory of entrepreneurship should use active actions as a starting point - entrepreneurship is the epitome of an active agent in the market, rather than a reactive agent. Third, it discusses an action regulation theory to better understand the psychology of entrepreneurship. Fourth, it provides examples how this theory can help to understand entrepreneurial success. Finally, it suggests intervention programs to help entrepreneurs to be successful at growing their organizations. Towards a Psychology of Entrepreneurship presents a descriptive definition of the entrepreneur. It also emphasize that entrepreneurship does not necessarily imply the start-up and growth of business organizations but is a more general phenomenon of starting social organizations and changing organizations. Thus, it also includes social entrepreneurs in its definition of the entrepreneur - thus, founders of social service organizations are considered part of the entrepreneurship landscape.
