The Role of Personality Traits and Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy in SME Sustainability

IF 8.3 2区管理学 Q1 BUSINESS

Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management Pub Date : 2025-06-03 DOI:10.1002/csr.3261

Saša Malenković, Alenka Slavec Gomezel

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Abstract

This study examines the role of personality traits in shaping sustainable business practices among entrepreneurs, focusing on the mediating role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Grounded in Social Cognitive Theory, we conceptualize entrepreneurial self-efficacy as a cognitive belief mechanism that strengthens entrepreneurs' confidence in their ability to implement sustainable strategies. Using data from Slovenian SME owners, the results show that conscientiousness and openness to experience are positively associated with the adoption of sustainability strategies. Entrepreneurs who exhibit these traits are more likely to adopt environmentally and socially responsible business practices. Furthermore, entrepreneurial self-efficacy plays a crucial mediating role by strengthening the link between extraversion, openness, and sustainable business practices and underpinning the role of cognitive beliefs in entrepreneurs' sustainable business practices. The study contributes to the growing body of research on sustainability in entrepreneurship by clarifying how personality determinants relate to sustainability efforts in SMEs through the lens of Social Cognitive Theory. These findings offer practical implications for policymakers, educators, and support institutions and emphasize the importance of fostering entrepreneurial self-efficacy and the personality traits that drive sustainable behaviors in business to promote sustainable entrepreneurship.

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人格特质与企业家自我效能感在中小企业可持续发展中的作用

本研究考察了人格特质在塑造企业家可持续商业实践中的作用，重点研究了企业家自我效能感的中介作用。在社会认知理论的基础上，我们将企业家自我效能定义为一种增强企业家对其实施可持续战略能力的信心的认知信念机制。利用斯洛文尼亚中小企业所有者的数据，结果表明，责任心和对经验的开放性与可持续发展战略的采用呈正相关。表现出这些特征的企业家更有可能采取对环境和社会负责的商业行为。此外，企业家自我效能感通过强化外向性、开放性和可持续商业行为之间的联系以及支持认知信念在企业家可持续商业行为中的作用，在企业家可持续商业行为中起着至关重要的中介作用。该研究通过社会认知理论的视角阐明了个性决定因素如何与中小企业的可持续性努力相关联，从而为不断增长的创业可持续性研究做出了贡献。这些发现为政策制定者、教育工作者和支持机构提供了实际意义，并强调了培养企业家自我效能感和推动企业可持续行为的人格特征对促进可持续创业的重要性。

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来源期刊

Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management Multiple-

CiteScore

17.20

自引率

16.30%

发文量

189

期刊介绍： Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management is a journal that publishes both theoretical and practical contributions related to the social and environmental responsibilities of businesses in the context of sustainable development. It covers a wide range of topics, including tools and practices associated with these responsibilities, case studies, and cross-country surveys of best practices. The journal aims to help organizations improve their performance and accountability in these areas. The main focus of the journal is on research and practical advice for the development and assessment of social responsibility and environmental tools. It also features practical case studies and evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to sustainability. The journal encourages the discussion and debate of sustainability issues and closely monitors the demands of various stakeholder groups. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management is a refereed journal, meaning that all contributions undergo a rigorous review process. It seeks high-quality contributions that appeal to a diverse audience from various disciplines.