The influencing factors of personality that affect entrepreneurship development among people with disabilities

Abstract

Purpose Entrepreneurial personalities have been widely recognised as important drivers for the development of entrepreneurial competencies, which are the skills, knowledge and abilities that enable entrepreneurs to start and grow successful businesses. Yet, there has been relatively little research focused specifically on entrepreneurial personalities that influence entrepreneurial competencies among people with physical disabilities. Therefore, this study aims to explore the entrepreneurial personalities among people with disabilities (PWDs) and explain how they influence several aspects of entrepreneurial capabilities. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach, namely, phenomenological approach, has been conducted; meanwhile, a total of 12 respondents were interviewed as the data has reached the saturation level. Findings The findings revealed that successful PWDs entrepreneurs possess a range of traits and characteristics that contribute to their success, which include need for achievement, internal drives, external factors, extraversion and openness. These factors drive the enhancement of the PWDs’ entrepreneurial capabilities. Originality/value Essentially, this study is one of the few studies that suggests that an integrative personality model influences PWDs’ entrepreneurial capabilities and their business development. This model takes into account the unique experiences and challenges faced by PWDs, which help to better understand the traits and characteristics that contribute to their success as entrepreneurs.