This research investigates in what context national culture, personality traits and external influences have an impact on entrepreneurial activity. The cross-cultural research has been conducted in Germany and the UK.
Two sets of questionnaires, issued in German and English language, have been distributed to entrepreneurs in both countries. 117 replies have been qualified for the research analysis.
The research has identified similarities of both countries in key traits of entrepreneurial behaviour such as assertiveness, emphasis on work goals and materialism. In addition, differences in cultural characteristics could be detected. Germany showed to be less risk loving as the UK that can be reflected by the higher level of bureaucracy. Gender, bureaucracy and financial issues have been established as main entry barriers and threats of business start-ups.
Recommendations have been drawn from the survey and it has been proposed that a simplification of bureaucracy in Germany due to an elimination of the ‘advance return for tax on sales and purchases’ would support entrepreneurs in the business start up stage. Additionally, it has been suggested that a decrease of taxation for angel and venture investors would create additional financial support for entrepreneurs.
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Top-level research questions
- Preliminary Literature Review
- Definition of Entrepreneurs
- Culture
- Personality traits
- Public Policy and Human Capital
- Research Methods
- Research approach
- Information requirements
- Data collection techniques and procedures
- Ethical issues
- Findings
- Conclusion
- Recommendations
Objectives and Key Themes
This research aims to compare and analyze the factors influencing entrepreneurship in Germany and the UK, considering cultural and personal attributes. The study seeks to understand how national culture and individual characteristics impact entrepreneurial intentions and identify key threats and barriers to business start-ups in both countries. Ultimately, the research aims to provide recommendations for policies to enhance entrepreneurial activity.
- Cross-cultural comparison of entrepreneurial factors in Germany and the UK.
- The influence of national culture on entrepreneurial behavior.
- The role of personality traits in entrepreneurial success.
- Identification of major threats and barriers to business start-ups.
- Policy recommendations to encourage entrepreneurship.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces the cross-sectional research comparing factors that trigger entrepreneurship in Germany and the UK. It highlights the growing importance of entrepreneurship for economic well-being and job creation, emphasizing the significant role of SMEs in both countries. The chapter contrasts the differing rates of new business births and the proportion of SMEs in Germany and the UK, setting the stage for the research's analysis of socio-cultural, individual, situational, and economic differences that might explain these variations. The ultimate goal is to provide recommendations to enhance entrepreneurial activity based on the findings. The chapter concludes by outlining the research's methodology and the key research questions that will guide the analysis.
Preliminary Literature Review: This section delves into existing research on entrepreneurship, examining definitions of entrepreneurs, the role of culture and personality traits, and the impact of public policy and human capital. This foundational work establishes a theoretical framework for understanding the complexities of entrepreneurial activity and provides a context for the subsequent empirical investigation. The review serves to lay the groundwork for the research questions and the methodology of the study by providing a theoretical understanding of the key factors under investigation.
Research Methods: This chapter details the research approach, data collection techniques, and ethical considerations employed in the study. It explains the methods used to gather data across both Germany and the UK, emphasizing the cross-cultural aspects of the research. It also outlines the process of data analysis and provides justification for the chosen methodologies. The chapter establishes the rigor and validity of the research by clearly outlining the employed methods.
Keywords
Entrepreneurship, cross-cultural research, Germany, UK, national culture, personality traits, public policy, human capital, SMEs, business start-ups, entry barriers, risk aversion, bureaucracy, taxation, economic factors, entrepreneurial behavior, policy recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this research?
This research compares and analyzes the factors influencing entrepreneurship in Germany and the UK, focusing on cultural and personal attributes. It aims to understand how national culture and individual characteristics impact entrepreneurial intentions and identify key barriers to business start-ups in both countries. The ultimate goal is to provide policy recommendations to boost entrepreneurial activity.
What are the key themes explored in this research?
Key themes include a cross-cultural comparison of entrepreneurial factors in Germany and the UK; the influence of national culture on entrepreneurial behavior; the role of personality traits in entrepreneurial success; the identification of major threats and barriers to business start-ups; and policy recommendations to encourage entrepreneurship.
What is included in the Table of Contents?
The Table of Contents includes: Abstract, Introduction (with Top-level research questions), Preliminary Literature Review (covering definitions of entrepreneurs, culture, personality traits, and public policy & human capital), Research Methods (including research approach, information requirements, data collection techniques, and ethical issues), Findings, Conclusion, and Recommendations.
What does the Introduction chapter cover?
The Introduction sets the stage by highlighting the importance of entrepreneurship for economic well-being and job creation, contrasting new business birth rates and SME proportions in Germany and the UK. It outlines the research methodology and key research questions.
What is discussed in the Preliminary Literature Review?
This section examines existing research on entrepreneurship, exploring definitions of entrepreneurs, the role of culture and personality traits, and the impact of public policy and human capital. It builds a theoretical framework for understanding entrepreneurial activity.
What details are provided in the Research Methods chapter?
This chapter details the research approach, data collection techniques used in Germany and the UK, ethical considerations, data analysis processes, and justification for the chosen methodologies, ensuring the research's rigor and validity.
What are the key findings and conclusions of the research (as previewed)?
The preview does not provide specific findings and conclusions but indicates that these will be presented in dedicated chapters. The research aims to provide recommendations for policies to enhance entrepreneurial activity based on the findings.
What are the key words associated with this research?
Keywords include: Entrepreneurship, cross-cultural research, Germany, UK, national culture, personality traits, public policy, human capital, SMEs, business start-ups, entry barriers, risk aversion, bureaucracy, taxation, economic factors, entrepreneurial behavior, and policy recommendations.
What type of research approach is used?
The preview indicates a cross-sectional research approach comparing factors influencing entrepreneurship in Germany and the UK.
Where can I find the complete research?
The provided text is a preview only. The complete research would need to be obtained from the publishing company.
- Quote paper
- BSc (Hons.) International Business Corinna Schmidt (Author), 2011, Factors influencing Entrepreneurship, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/204296
