National entrepreneurial potential: The role of culture, economic development, and political history

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Abstract

Building on received entrepreneurship theory, we propose that national culture, political history, and national economic performance are reliable predictors of entrepreneurial potential among the next generation of business leaders. Results of a 17-country study of business student attitudes and perceptions about entrepreneurship indicate that: (a) individuals socialized in masculine cultures are more psychologically predisposed toward entrepreneurship than are individuals socialized in feminine cultures; and (b) economic development and experience with democratic rule have positive effects on perceptions of new venture feasibility. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for future international comparative entrepreneurship research.

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