PROFILE OF THE PALESTINIAN ENTREPRENEUR: A MULTI-DIMENSIONAL PERSPECTIVE

This research aims to identify the personality type of the Palestinian entrepreneur as perceived by entrepreneurs themselves and non-entrepreneurs. The personality variable has been found to be a major determinant of success in an economically disadvantaged, politically unstable and culturally traditional environment as exists in the palestinian society. The public attitude has a tremendous impact on how Palestinian entrepreneurs view themselves and their role in the community. The findings could serve as an instructive tool to educate potential entrepreneurs. The personality of the entrepreneur still overshadows other aspects in explaining a business's success or failure in many societies. Although it is an elusive variable and methodologically problematic to measure, personality is still perceived as the major determinant of entrepreneurial success. There were four different domains on which the personality of the Palestinian entrepreneur was assessed: the cognitive, educational psychological and physical. A sample of 150 subjects comprising three groups entrepreneurs, prospective entrepreneurs and common people was selected. The results showed an almost identical attitude among the members of the groups towards the personality of the entrepreneur as being outstandingly distinctive in the four different personality dimensions examined. The entrepreneur was accorded a special status in the community amounting to a "folk hero". More weight was assigned to internal or subjective factors (personality characteristics) than to external or objective factors (financial, economic, political) in the achievement of business success. The results have very significant implications for the design and implementation of training courses for both prospective and operating entrepreneurs in Palestine.