Entrepreneurial characteristics in Switzerland and the UK: A comparative study of techno-entrepreneurs

• DOI: 10.1007/s10843-008-0028-4
• Publication Date: 2008-10-17T19:18:42Z
• Authors: Kayhan Tajeddini; Stephen L. Mueller
• Keywords: Ambiguity tolerance; Locus of control; Need for achievement

The entrepreneur is the central actor in generating entrepreneurial activity. Thus, it is important to understand the motivational characteristics and variables associated with entrepreneurial behavior spurring people to become entrepreneurs. For this study, a comparative analysis of high-tech entrepreneurs in Switzerland and the UK was undertaken to determine the extent to which they differ in terms of entrepreneurial characteristics. A total of 253 useful questionnaires from entrepreneurs in both countries enabled us to distinguish differences between these two groups. Findings reveal that some entrepreneurial characteristics such as autonomy, propensity for risk, and locus of control are higher among UK techno-entrepreneurs while other characteristics such as achievement need, tolerance for ambiguity, innovativeness, and confidence are higher among Swiss techno-entrepreneurs.