Title: Entrepreneurship and culture as correlates of achievement motive: a multifaceted approach

Authors: Abraham Sagie, Dov Elizur

Addresses: School of Business Administration, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 52900, Israel. School of Business Administration, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 52900, Israel

Abstract: Through re-analysis of a database aggregated in two previous studies [1,2], we aimed to assess achievement motive of individuals varying in entrepreneurial orientation (small business students versus students of business and economics) or in cultural environment (US versus Japanese). Based on a multifaceted definition of achievement motive, we hypothesised that the structure of the domain would be consistent across samples but its strength will vary. Overall, the results confirmed the hypothesis. Data of each sample reflected the three facets of achievement motive type of confrontation, time perspective related to task performance, and behaviour modality. On most of the achievement motive scales small business students scored higher than business and economics students. In addition, achievement motive scores were highest for respondents from the USA (individualistic culture) than for their colleagues from Japan (collectivistic culture). Theoretical and applied implications were outlined.

Keywords: achievement motive; facet theory; individualistic culture; collectivistic culture; entrepreneurial behaviour; smallest space analysis; Japan; Netherlands; USA.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2001.000444

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2001 Vol.1 No.1, pp.34-52

Published online: 16 Jul 2003 *

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