Research

Research Summary (50 words)

A study of the similarities between entrepreneurs and marginalised youth identifies factors critical to ethical entrepreneurship. Whether innate entrepreneurial talent is used constructively or destructively is dependent on ethical intentionality, where ethical intentionality is defined by the resilience factors. Resilience may be influenced by community services to circumvent maladaptive behaviour.

Abstract

Antecedents of ethical entrepreneurship: measuring chutzpah in successful entrepreneurs and maverick youth.

An investigation into the similarities between successful entrepreneurs and maverick youth underpins the development of a Model of Ethical Intentionality. The Model proposes that entrepreneurial potential can be found in certain maverick personality types, with particular moderating factors being the critical determinants of whether maladaptive behaviour can be redirected into productive outcomes. How human potential is then activated and channelled either constructively or destructively is an interplay of the resilience factors. The Model has a strong community development focus, asserting that those critical resilience factors already exist in most communities, to enhance and redirect misappropriated talent. Four studies using focus groups, interviews, personality and psychological inventories continue to inform the development of the Model. Both entrepreneurs and youth at-risk indicate high scores on the Chutzpah Factor Inventory; a collection of attributes which exemplify the ability of the entrepreneur and the youth at-risk to venture into the unknown and readily accept new challenges. Apart from contributing to scientific knowledge in psychology, business, education, criminology and sociology, the research has already demonstrated its international relevance and community acceptance. The Model has had international application, now received by more than 10,000 indigenous and non-indigenous practitioners and youth from government and non-government sectors in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Denmark, India, Sri Lanka and Himalayan (Tibetan) communities who are working with principles toward developing enterprising youth, adults and societies.

Recent work undertaken in a remote Indian Himalayan desert community and in the West Australian Western Desert has assisted in the further development of a Culturally Appropriate Model of Sustainable Micro-Enterprise Development (CAMSMED). This model will be trialled with select Australian and International communities in late 2008.