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Variables distinguishing entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs from different ethnic groups in the South African environment

A distinguishing characteristic of the current world economy is the decline in the number
of industrial job opportunities which is also affecting South Mrica. The multi-ethnical
and multicultural society of South Africa is also experiencing low economic growth
rates, high population growth rates and an unacceptably high unemployment rate.
Entrepreneurship currently plays an important role in the successful economies of the
world. The small business can make important contributions to economic growth, job
creation and social development. For this reason it is important that entrepreneurial
behaviour be promoted in South Mrica.
In previous research studies, researchers isolated different variables of entrepreneurial
behaviour such as the environment, personal characteristics, values and personal
background of individuals. Of these variables, only personal characteristics may be
manipulated to advance entrepreneurial behaviour.
The objectives of this study were to indicate whether certain biographical and
demographical factors are related to an individual's behaviour towards the formation of
a new enterprise and to indicate whether certain personal characteristics, namely
achievement motivation and locus of control, are related to an individual's behaviour in
the formation of a new enterprise.
It was decided to compare four groups, namely white non-entrepreneurs, black nonentrepreneurs,
white entrepreneurs and black entrepreneurs. Three factors of achievement
motivation and three factors of locus of control were identified by means of factor
analysis, and statistical analyses were done on the four different groups. To establish the
above-mentioned relationships, the researcher made use of sophisticated statistical
analyses.
The following conclusion were drawn from the results:
The models of achievement motivation and locus of control seem to predict membership
of the group black entrepreneurs better than the group white entrepreneurs. Using the
locus of control scales, membership of the group black entrepreneurs can be predicted
well. The study revealed that there are differences between black groups and white
groups (entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs) in South Africa.
It is clear from the present study that there have to be additional factors, other than
achievement motivation and locus of control, that influence entrepreneurial behaviour.
The ethnic and cultural situation in South Africa also influences entrepreneurial
behaviour in this country. / Business Management / D.Com. (Business Management)

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:umkn-dsp01.int.unisa.ac.za:10500/17963
Date11 1900
CreatorsDe Klerk, Annette
ContributorsCronje, G. J. de J., Boshoff, A. B.
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
Format1 online resource (xxv, 379 leaves)

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