Positive mindset and entrepreneurial outcomes: the magical contributions of psychological resources and autonomy

Abstract

This paper applies self-determination theory (SDT) and psychological capital literature to examine the impact of psychological capital and autonomy on a number of entrepreneurial outcomes including entrepreneurs’ income, satisfaction, meaning in life, and commitment to the entrepreneurial career path. The results from two studies reported in this paper support the proposition that a positive mindset (consisting of psychological resources) and a feeling of autonomy are essential for entrepreneurial success. We also found that entrepreneurs’ satisfaction mediates the effects of psychological capital, autonomy, as well as their interaction effects on commitment. In addition, the effects of psychological capital and autonomy on satisfaction were also moderated by level of income. The results have implications for entrepreneurship training and support interventions. The implications for research are also discussed.

Cet article utilise la littérature sur la théorie de l'autodétermination et le capital psychologique pour examiner l'impact du capital psychologique et de l'autonomie sur un certain nombre de résultats entrepreneuriaux, parmi lesquels le revenu, la satisfaction, le sens de la vie et l'engagement dans le plan de carrière des entrepreneurs. Rapportés dans cet article, les résultats de deux études étayent l'hypothèse selon laquelle une façon de penser positive (fondée sur des ressources psychologiques) et un sentiment d'autonomie sont essentiels au succès entrepreneurial. Ces travaux révèlent également que la satisfaction des entrepreneurs modère les effets du capital psychologique et de l'autonomie, ainsi que leurs effets d'interaction sur l'engagement. De plus, les effets du capital psychologique et de l'autonomie sur la satisfaction sont eux aussi modérés par le niveau de revenu. Ces résultats ont des implications pour la formation et les interventions de soutien à l'entrepreneuriat. Sont également discutées, les implications pour la recherche.

Keywords:

• entrepreneurial outcomes
• entrepreneurial success
• psychological capital
• psychological resources
• self-determination theory

Mots-clés:

• Résultats entrepreneuriaux
• succès entrepreneurial
• capital psychologique
• ressources psychologiques
• théorie de l'autodétermination

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge, Ms. Sophia Hartman, Ms. Maurine Mitch Agalo and Ms. Martha Naigaga for the help during data collection.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Germany Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) [Programme number 57048249], [grant number 91525333].

Notes on contributors

Martin Mabunda Baluku

Martin Mabunda Baluku (PhD), is a researcher at Philipps Universität-Marburg, Germany, and an assistant lecturer at Makerere University, department of Educational, Organizational and Social Psychology. His current research interests are psychological attributes and entrepreneurship, career development, the psychology of cheating and corruption, retirement and psychological wellbeing, and organizational politics and change.

Julius Fred Kikooma

Julius Fred Kikooma (PhD), is an associate professor of Organizational Psychology and Dean of Makerere University School of Psychology. His current research interests are Higher Education, Corporate Realities, Employment of University Graduates, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Family Business, and Consumerism and Identity.

Kathleen Otto

Kathleen Otto (PhD), is a professor of Organizational and Work Psychology at Philipps Universität-Marburg, Germany. Her research interests are job insecurity, organizational justice, self-employment, and career success.