Tweet

3.0 The African Entrepreneur Personal Traits: Entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in Africa

Guest post by: Journal of Development Entrepreneurship

Article Overview: More than twenty personal traits of entrepreneurs have been linked to entrepreneurial success in Africa (LeVine, 1966; Benedict, 1979; Frese, 2000), and elsewhere (Stewart, 1996). Debate continues as to whether psychological variables, socio-demographic factors or external factors are the best determinants of entrepreneurial behavior and performance (Frese, 2000; Buame, 1996).

3.0 The African Entrepreneur Personal Traits: Entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in Africa

(Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship, Oct 2002 by Kiggundu, Moses N)

More than twenty personal traits of entrepreneurs have been linked to entrepreneurial success in Africa (LeVine, 1966; Benedict, 1979; Frese, 2000), and elsewhere (Stewart, 1996). Debate continues as to whether psychological variables, socio-demographic factors or external factors are the best determinants of entrepreneurial behavior and performance (Frese, 2000; Buame, 1996). For example, Buame observed that in Ghana, individual characteristics are not sufficient to explain the nature of entrepreneurial success or failure. Keyser et al. (2000) have shown empirically that "psychological factors may be more important than sociodemographic ones" (p. 44). LeVine used McClelland's (1961) need for achievement paradigm to differentiate the various Nigerian ethnic groups in terms of their entrepreneurial effectiveness. Consistent with historical experiences, achievement scores were highest for the Ibo, lowest for the Housa, with the Yoruba being in between. Similarly, Benedict in a study of African (Creole), Chinese, and East Indians in the Seychelles found successful entrepreneurs to be characterized by high physical energy, confidence to act on opportunities, adaptability to changing conditions, and ability to inspire others.

Perhaps the strongest empirical evidence in support of the efficacy of individual traits as predictors of entrepreneurial success comes from the Giessen-Amsterdam studies by Frese and his associates. In a carefully designed series of studies of five African countries (Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa), they found that psychological variables such as personal initiative, innovativeness, entrepreneurial orientation, and autonomy differentiated successful from less successful entrepreneurs. The central tenet of these studies is that the actions of the entrepreneur, influenced by his or her personal attributes, explain differences in reaction to the environment. The study concluded, "The five studies show that psychological variables are important predictors of micro business firms" (Frese, 2000, p. 162).

Related Articles
  18.0 Conclusion: Entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in Africa
  SMEs - African confusion with entrepreneurship
  17.0 What Needs to be Done - Mainstreaming Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in Africa
  Today’s Profiles of Entrepreneurship in Africa: Aliko Dangote
  Writing Phenom David S. Fick Talks with Benin Mwangi! Part Two

Article Tags: Africa LeVine, Benedict, entrepreneurial behavior, entrepreneurial orientation, entrepreneurial success, external factors, Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship, Kiggundu Moses N, personal traits, psychological factors, psychological variables, successful entrepreneurs



Related Forum Posts
What do you do to give back? - I'm launching new section of the site for social entrepreneurship and our first category is going to be called African Accounts. The goal with the project is to raise awareness of African entrepreneurs and showcase that entrepreneurship can be the path to achieving sustainable development. This has always been a passion of mine and I have done a number of talks around the world on this subject so I'm excited to bring it online as well. We have recruited some of the top bloggers in the world who focus on African entrepreneurship and are preparing additional resources. I believe that a big part of running a business is being socially responsible and giving back - even if it's donating your time to an organization or small amounts of money or products. You don't have to be mega-successful to make a difference. What are some of the things you are doing to give back to the community around you?
Re: Newbie from Africa - [quote="Evan":22gvtxlq]Welcome to the forums Biiyke! You asked if we know any sellers who were trying to reach the African market... I think you'd honestly have more luck going the other way - try to find sellers in Africa and sell to the rest of the world.[/quote:22gvtxlq] Hello Evan, You are absolutely correct.Thank you for your advice.That's actually the whole idea,Africa to the world and the world to Africa. So I will throw more weight on that area.
Re: How will an african make money truely on the net? - Is it possible for an African business to set up an "offshore" account in the US or England... or even Switzerland... where all monies are paid? And a trusted agent there, who gets a percentage of any money, can then take that money from paypal and wire it or mail it or whatever to an African bank? There are lots of countries in Africa, is this a problem in all of them? Seems like an internet entrepreneur who can set up a "Paypal" like company of their own might be able to make money on this... ? Course you'd need governmental contacts...
My Favorite Entrepreneur – created by Armand Rousso - My favorite Entrepreneur.com is a very exciting intellectual adventure to which serial entrepreneur Armand Rousso invites all around the world enthusiastic people, who, are fervent believers in the virtues of entrepreneurship to contribute. People are asked to express their opinions and to share their views about those who are generally considered to be among the most successful entrepreneurs in the world, not only in the United States and in Europe, but also in Asia and Africa.
Young Entrepreneur Organization - All You Need To Know - The Young Entrepreneur Organization (YEO) is a global community of entrepreneurs. This non-profit organization aims to make its members successful in their business through networking and training programs. This article tells you all you need to know about the Young Entrepreneur Organization, and the opportunities it makes available to young entrepreneurs from across the world. Young Entrepreneur Organization: Facts. 1) The Young Entrepreneur Organization has 5,000 members in 35 countries across the world. 2) The organization was founded in 1987. Since then, it has helped many aspiring entrepreneurs with training facilities and getting in touch with the right people. 3) The average age of the members of Young Entrepreneur Organization is 34 years. 4) In order to be eligible for the membership of Young Entrepreneur Organization, you need to be under the age of 40; and be the founder or partner in a business that has annual sales of more than $1 million. World Entrepreneurs Organization: A part of the Young Entrepreneur Organization, the World Entrepreneur Organization and takes the message of Young Entrepreneur Organization to many additional places around the world. This organization is especially active in the area of education and training for entrepreneurs. Young Entrepreneur Organization: Objectives. 1) To foster entrepreneurship. 2) To support Young Entrepreneur Organization members by providing them the chance to network and grow. 3) To provide resources to its members so that they can benefit the economy through innovative business ideas. 4) According to Young Entrepreneur Organization, you get to share your story with those who have had similar experiences, and thus gain insight into the best principles of entrepreneurship. Young Entrepreneur Organization: Facilities. At the Young Entrepreneur Organization, you get to meet and share views with like-minded people and fellow entrepreneurs. In order to facilitate a free exchange of ideas and growth for its member, the Young Entrepreneur Organization provides the following facilities to members. 1) Forum: Join the forum of the Young Entrepreneur Organization and start networking with entrepreneurs from across the world. Each forum group has 12 members who come together regularly to share their experiences and discuss issues related to entrepreneurship. 2) Mentor: In conjunction with the World Presidents’ Organization, the Young Entrepreneur Organization guides and counsels young entrepreneurs through a mentor program by the best business leaders. 3) Social Innovation: The Social Innovators Program involves Young Entrepreneur Organization member who wish to do something for about social issues. It helps members become socially aware citizens and gives them the opportunity to do something for their community. 4) Marketplace: The marketplace allows members to post business offers and receive replies from other members. These are just some of the facilities you will get if you become part of the Young Entrepreneur Organization. Others, like meeting prospective clients through trade shows, and special tools to network and meet with the right people are also part of the YEO facilities.


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

Are You Remarkable Enough?

Are You Listening?

The Pure FUN of Learning & Using NLP

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.