Foundations and Trends® in Entrepreneurship > Vol 5 > Issue 6

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

 
Suggested Citation
Michael Frese (2009), "Towards a Psychology of Entrepreneurship — An Action Theory Perspective", Foundations and Trends® in Entrepreneurship: Vol. 5: No. 6, pp 437-496. http://dx.doi.org/10.1561/0300000028

Publication Date: 13 Nov 2009
© 2009 M. Frese
 
Subjects
Business formation
 
Keywords
Entrepreneurial successAction theorySocial entrepreneurshipOrganizational changeEntrepreneurshipPsychologyOrganizational theory
 

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In this article:
1 Introduction 
2 Psychology is Needed to Understand Entrepreneurship 
3 Active Entrepreneurial Actions 
4 Action Theory — Building Blocks 
5 Characteristics of Active Performance and Entrepreneurial Success 
6 Interventions: Training 
7 Conclusion 
Acknowledgments 
References 

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.

DOI:10.1561/0300000028
ISBN: 978-1-60198-296-4
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Table of contents:
1. Introduction
2. Psychology is Needed to Understand Entrepreneurship
3. Active Entrepreneurial Actions
4. Action Theory - Building Blocks
5. Characteristics of Active Performance and Entrepreneurial Success
6. Interventions: Training
7. Conclusion
References

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.

 
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