Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation: Scale Development and Validation

Abstract

Recent research introduced and laid the foundation for a new individual-level entrepreneurial orientation conceptualization (Ind.EO) within the entrepreneurial orientation family of constructs. Building directly from this work, this article theoretically defines a measurement model for the construct and develops and validates a scale. We define and measure disposition-based behavior constructs for autonomy, competitiveness, innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk-taking, thus providing psychometrically validated tools that support research in the burgeoning Ind.EO domain. Scale items are generated deductively from our definitions, and then tested through four data collections with academics, the lay population, entrepreneurs, and business managers. Strong validation data across these multiple samples support the utility of the final 17 items and that they can be used to measure Ind.EO. Furthermore, we provide unique theoretical insights regarding the value of the autonomy and competitiveness components of Ind.EO and investigate the core personal values associated with Ind.EO.