Self-Actualization: The Zenith of Entrepreneurship

Authors

  • James W. Carland, Jr. Western Carolina University
  • Jo Ann C. Carland Western Carolina University
  • James W. (Trey) Carland, III Western Carolina University

Abstract

This paper presents entrepreneurship  literature  which supports  a treatment  of entrepreneurial drive as a continuum. Behavioral differences among entrepreneurs are presented and examined in the light of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. The two perspectives are linked by a perspective of entrepreneurial activity as a vehicle which can support one's advancement through all levels of the hierarchy. This perspective is examined empirically with a database of 156 entrepreneurs, and the authors conclude that the respondents in this study who displayed higher entrepreneurial drive did view their businesses as vehicles for achieving self-esteem and self-actualization. Those respondents displaying lower entrepreneurial drive viewed their firms as vehicles for providing  basic financial  needs.

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Published

1995-01-10

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How to Cite

Self-Actualization: The Zenith of Entrepreneurship. (1995). Journal of Small Business Strategy (archive Only), 6(1), 53-66. https://libjournals.mtsu.edu/index.php/jsbs/article/view/306

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