Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation: Scale Development and Validation.

Area of Science:

• Entrepreneurship
• Organizational Behavior
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) is a key concept in entrepreneurship research.
• Existing EO measures primarily focus on firm-level or aggregate constructs.
• A need exists for an individual-level conceptualization and measurement of EO.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically define and develop a measurement model for individual-level entrepreneurial orientation (Ind.EO).
• To create and validate a psychometrically sound scale to measure Ind.EO.
• To provide validated tools for research in the emerging Ind.EO domain.

Main Methods:

• Deductive scale item generation based on theoretical definitions of disposition-based behavioral constructs (autonomy, competitiveness, innovativeness, proactiveness, risk-taking).
• Scale validation through four diverse data collections: academics, general population, entrepreneurs, and business managers.
• Psychometric analysis to ensure reliability and validity of the final scale.

Main Results:

• A 17-item scale for measuring Ind.EO was developed and psychometrically validated across multiple samples.
• Strong validation data support the utility and reliability of the Ind.EO scale.
• Unique theoretical insights were provided on the components of autonomy and competitiveness within Ind.EO.

Conclusions:

• The validated 17-item Ind.EO scale offers a robust tool for researchers.
• The scale supports the burgeoning domain of individual-level entrepreneurial orientation research.
• The study enhances understanding of Ind.EO by examining its core components and associated personal values.