Why are some people more innovative than others? What characteristics do these people have and how can they be identified? To contribute to answering these questions, the con-nection between the personality trait Sensation Seeking and various dimensions of Individual Innovativeness was investigated. In summary, the results suggest that the aspects of the Sensation Seeking trait represent an intrinsic motivation for Individual Innovativeness in form of business startups and innovation promoting behavior.
The paper deals theoretically with the personality trait Sensation Seeking, whereupon the study results are presented and interpreted. Finally, the findings are converted into recommendations for further research and relevant insights for management are given.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 State of Research
1.2 Research Problem, Objective and Hypothesis
2. Sensation Seeking
2.1 Sensation Seeking Scale and Classifikation
2.2 Physiological Characteristics of Sensation Seeking
3. Survey Construction
3.1 Variables Measurement
3.1.1 Measuring Individual Innovativeness
3.1.2 Measuring Sensation Seeking
3.1.3 Control Variables
3.2 Procedure
4. Analysis and Results
4.1 Summary Statistics
4.2 Empirical Results
5. Conclusion
5.1 Implications for Research
5.2 Implications for Management
Objectives and Research Themes
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the potential correlation between the personality trait "Sensation Seeking" and individual innovativeness. By analyzing data from 186 participants, the research aims to determine if individuals with a higher predisposition for seeking novel experiences and taking risks also demonstrate a greater capacity for entrepreneurial and innovation-promoting behavior in professional environments.
- Analysis of the Sensation Seeking trait according to Marvin Zuckerman.
- Evaluation of "Individual Innovativeness" through dimensions such as business startups, patent applications, and innovative behavior.
- Investigation of the impact of an innovation-promoting corporate culture on individual outcomes.
- Exploration of demographic influences (age, gender, education) on innovativeness.
- Derivation of practical recommendations for recruitment and human resource management in innovation-driven fields.
Excerpt from the Book
Physiological Characteristics of Sensation Seeking
Some biological differences can be observed between HSS and LSS. For example, while the heart rate of LSS increases with exposure to a relatively small external stimulus, the heart rate of HSS decreases with the same stimulus. Another difference can be observed in the evaluation of stimuli. By means of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the brain of HSS of the first dimension (danger and adventure) was examined. It was found that the rewarding feeling of the experience is rated higher than that of the risk itself. High Sensation Seekers need stronger external stimulation to experience feelings of happiness, which is sometimes due to poor transmission of the dopamine signal. A gene of the dopamine D4 receptor, which is known for poorer signal transmission, is particularly common among Sensation Seekers. This circumstance makes HSS more willing to take risks compared to individuals than others. For example, they like to drive fast or, as already mentioned, practice extreme sports such as parachuting or climbing. Furthermore, the low dopamine level within HSS explains the seeking for new input from outside (Fulker et al. 1980; Zuckerman 1999).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter establishes the relevance of individual innovation competence for economic growth and introduces the Sensation Seeking trait as a potential psychological predictor for innovative behavior.
2. Sensation Seeking: This section defines the Sensation Seeking construct, details its physiological underpinnings via the Yerkes-Dodson law, and introduces subscales such as Thrill and Adventure Seeking and Disinhibition.
3. Survey Construction: This chapter outlines the methodology of the online survey, the measurement of variables, and the selection of participants across various industries to investigate the defined hypotheses.
4. Analysis and Results: This chapter presents the statistical analysis of the collected data, testing the correlations between Sensation Seeking dimensions, individual innovation outputs, and demographic variables.
5. Conclusion: The final chapter summarizes the research findings, highlighting the positive links between Sensation Seeking and business startup activity, and provides specific implications for research and management practice.
Keywords
Sensation Seeking, Individual Innovativeness, Innovation Management, Thrill and Adventure Seeking, Disinhibition, Personality Traits, Entrepreneurship, Patent Applications, Corporate Culture, Risk-Taking, Recruitment, Human Resource Management, Innovative Behavior, Associating, Psychological Constructs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research focuses on exploring the correlation between the personality trait "Sensation Seeking" and the innovativeness of individuals in a professional context.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
The work covers psychological personality constructs, innovation competence, the role of corporate culture, and the behavioral patterns of innovative entrepreneurs.
What is the central research question?
The study seeks to answer whether a positive correlation exists between the Sensation Seeking personality trait and various dimensions of Individual Innovativeness.
Which scientific methods were applied?
The study employed an explorative approach using an online survey with 186 participants, followed by statistical analysis including regression models and mean value comparisons.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main sections cover the theory of Sensation Seeking, the construction of the survey, the analysis of empirical data, and the resulting implications for management and future research.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Sensation Seeking, Individual Innovativeness, Entrepreneurship, Risk-Taking, and Innovation Management.
What is the significance of the "Thrill and Adventure Seeking" (TAS) sub-trait?
The findings indicate that individuals with a higher TAS-emphasis are more likely to start new businesses and demonstrate higher overall innovative behavior in their professional lives.
How does corporate culture influence the findings?
The research concludes that an innovation-promoting corporate culture—specifically those fostering trust, risk tolerance, and error acceptance—has a positive impact on individual innovative output.
Are there significant gender-based differences?
Yes, the data shows that men achieved statistically significantly higher mean values in several dimensions of individual innovativeness, as well as in Sensation Seeking and TAS scores, compared to women in the sample.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Yasmin Krause (Autor:in), 2019, Sensation Seeking and Individual Innovativeness, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/492544
