Are Entrepreneurs Different

The literature suggests that entrepreneurs are progressive, dynamic, and vital to economies and yet much remains unknown about them as individuals. Recognizing salient differences among individuals pursuing entrepreneurial activity is a crucial step toward understanding what drives entrepreneurs and provides a clearer picture of what distinguishes them from resolute employees. This study centers on gaining new understanding of individuals who pursue entrepreneurial activities on a full-time basis This knowledge offers the potential of providing enduring benefits to communities, governing agencies, educators, commercial lenders, as well as the entrepreneurs themselves. Our research builds on prior work but differs in that it factors heterogeneity of entrepreneurs in regards to the intensity of their time commitment. A new model is developed and Push Pull Motivation Theory is employed to distinguish Proactive and Reactive entrepreneurs. Proactive entrepreneurs differed significantly from their nonentrepreneurial counterparts within four psychological characteristics: openness, work centrality, self-reliance, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy.