Scripts and Entrepreneurship

Abstract

This paper focuses on the role of scripts in decisions made by entrepreneurs to start new businesses. The literature concerning scripts is reviewed in order to identify publications that tie decisions about one's work to early life fantasies. Results of a nationwide study of entrepreneurs indicate the presence of scripted behavior in a significant number of entrepreneurs. Furthermore, there are strong indications that earlier scripting leads to less successful entrepreneurship later in life than does later scripting or rational decision making. In fact, the study indicates that entrepreneurs are more successful the older they are when startup decisions are made, which may be due to feedback and training as they mature.

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Notes on contributors

Richard J. Stapleton

Richard J. Stapleton, Ph.D., is a Certified TransactionalAnalyst specializing in organizational applications of TA and Professor of Management at Georgia Southern University.

Gene Murkison

Gene Murkison, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Management, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, U.S.A.