THE ENTREPRENEURIAL PERSONALITY 9Sociological and Anthropological Approaches
According to these disciplines a factor such as societal upheaval is con-
sidered to have considerable impact in the making of new entrepreneurs.
Societal disruptions, which create structural changes in society, contrib-
ute to status incongruities, and have repercussions on family life, appear
to affect the choice of non - traditional career paths (Hagen, 1962 ). Other
studies indicate that entrepreneurs are more likely to come from ethnic,
religious, or other minority groups (Weber, 1958 ; Sayigh, 1962 ;
Hirschmeier, 1964 ; Kets de Vries, 1970 ). The experience of feeling ‘ dif-
ferent ’ seems to have an important infl uence on entrepreneurs. If the
family of the entrepreneur does not seem to fi t into the established order
of things, their offspring may have little choice but to create a new niche
for themselves in society.
Several writers have described the origins of entrepreneurs in ethnic
and religious minority groups. The sociologist Max Weber ’ s thesis of
the Protestant ethic is a familiar example. It is evident that the belief in
a value system different from that of society at large can lead to frictions
between the family and the outside world. Members of a minority group
can be subjected to discrimination, which has repercussions within the
family, causing tension and stress, but also makes for new challenges.
These minorities will feel less hampered by the complicated social struc-
ture of the society they live in, and be more prepared to challenge
established patterns. The combination of feeling different from main-
stream society, plus not having the same opportunities as the predomi-
nant group, may encourage these people to strike out on their own.
There is another prominent feature in the backgrounds of such
individuals: in many cases, their fathers were self - employed, perhaps by
necessity — they may have had no alternative. Occupations were closed
to them because of their ‘ difference, ’ which put them under strain. Self -
employment, with its uncertainties and socio - psychological risks, will
be more familiar to them. Given this familiarity, they may be more
prepared (and inclined) to give it a go themselves.
The Economic Perspective
Economists tend to discuss entrepreneurship in terms of a receptive
economic climate (Schumpeter, 1931 ; Knight, 1940 ; Redlich, 1949 ;
Baumol, 1968 ). They refer to such factors as favorable tax legislation,
the availability of risk capital, a well - functioning banking system,
and the existence of ‘ incubator ’ organizations like those found in