University of Twente Student Theses
The Role of Sensory Processing Sensitivity in the Formation of Entrepreneurial Intention: A Theory of Planned Behavior Approach
Bauer, Nadja (2019) The Role of Sensory Processing Sensitivity in the Formation of Entrepreneurial Intention: A Theory of Planned Behavior Approach.
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| Abstract: | Purpose: This research explores the relationship between personality traits and entrepreneurship, in particular, Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) and Entrepreneurial Intention (EI). The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is applied to test for mediation of the three intention antecedents: attractiveness, social norms, and perceived behavioral control. Methodology: Based on literature, hypotheses are constructed to define the relationship between SPS, EI, and TPB. Operationalization of the definitions of interest enables the design of a survey, which is consequently performed on university students. Statistical analysis is performed on the collected data, to test the hypotheses. Findings: Although no clear relationship between SPS, EI, and TPB are found, a subscale of SPS shows a negative relationship between EI and two antecedents of TPB, namely attitude towards entrepreneurship and perceived behavioral control. The subscale of SPS, which shows this relationship, is Ease of Excitement (EOE), which describes an individual's degree of feeling overwhelmed by environmental and emotional stimuli. Outcomes differ depending on measurement. Research implications: The results indicate that more preliminary work on establishing a validated measurement for both, SPS and EI are required. In addition, the current study excludes the environment as a factor, which may prove significant in future studies. Practical implications: Individuals with high SPS, who strive to pursue an entrepreneurial career can benefit from managing their EOE. Taking the time to reflect on new stimuli and finding counter evidence for their bias towards entrepreneurship may enable objectivity in their attitude towards entrepreneurship and take control of their situation. Originality/value: The current study is original in two ways. Firstly, SPS is a relatively new personality trait, which has little published research in the context of entrepreneurship. Secondly, the research measures suggest multiple interpretations of SPS and EI, uncovering a root cause for mixed results with regards to the relationship between personality traits and entrepreneurship. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | Business Administration MSc (60644) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/79681 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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