(Effects of Personality Characteristics on Entrepreneurship Tendencies and an Application on Master Students)

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this study is to determine the effect of personality traits on entrepreneurship tendencies of the students. Design/methodology/approach – The sample of the study consists of the students who are studying at Uşak University and Kütahya Dumlupınar University. The data were collected by questionnaire method which is the primary data collection tool. Intentional sampling method was used in the process of data collection. 223 data were obtained with this method. Correlation and regression analyzes were applied to the obtained data and the relationships between dependent and independent variables were tested. Findings – To graduate students studying at Kütahya Dumlupınar University and Uşak University, 223 questionnaires were applied. İt was concluded that the results of the analysis, students' risk taking, innovation, need to succeed, locus of control and self-esteem personality traits increased entrepreneurship tendency. It was concluded that tolerance to uncertainty personality trait did not affect entrepreneurship tendency. Discussion – Recent technological developments and changes in the economic field have led to changes in many areas from the preferences of individuals to the structures of organizations. These changes and innovations have led to new business opportunities. Today, governments are creating many support packages for entrepreneurs in order to reduce unemployment and increase economic growth by increasing new job opportunities. In addition, individuals are encouraged to engage in entrepreneurship by giving trainings on entrepreneurship to individuals in all areas of education. One of the factors that affect individuals' being entrepreneurs is personality traits. According to the results of the research, it was concluded that personality traits, risk taking, innovation, need to succeed, locus of control and self-confidence increase the entrepreneurship tendencies of the participants. It was deduced that the personality trait of tolerance to uncertainty did not affect entrepreneurship tendency. The following results were obtained in some studies conducted to determine the entrepreneurial tendency. Bozkurt and Erdurur (2013) concluded that personality traits other than self confidence personality traits increase entrepreneurship tendency. Türkoğlu et al. (2017) deduced that it increased entrepreneurship tendency in six dimensions related to personality traits. The fact that the average of the students participating in the research regarding their personality traits is high and these personality traits increase entrepreneurship tendency shows that students can be entrepreneurs. Attemping of these individuals will increase employment opportunities and contribute to the solution of the unemployment problem. In this way, a positive contribution will be provided to the economic development.