Title: Influence of the individual characteristics and personality traits of the founder on the performance of family SMEs

Authors: Mário Franco; Maria Prata

Addresses: Department of Management and Economics, University of Beira Interior, CEFAGE-UBI Research Center, Estrada do Sineiro - 6200-209, Covilhã, Portugal ' University of Beira Interior, Estrada do Sineiro - 6200-209, Covilhã, Portugal

Abstract: The main aim of this study is to investigate the influence of the individual characteristics and personality traits of the founder on the performance of family SMEs. To achieve this goal, a questionnaire was constructed, covering the socio-demographic (individual) characteristics of the entrepreneur and an individual's personality traits through five dimensions (Big-Five): extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness to experience. To measure performance, an already validated scale was also used, including two fundamental dimensions: business and family. 123 questionnaires from family SMEs were validated. Results show that the individual characteristics (age, gender and academic qualifications) of the founder do not influence the performance of family SMEs. As for the personality traits of the founder, only extraversion, conscientiousness and openness to experience are found to have a positive influence on performance, while neuroticism has a negative influence on performance. Some implications for theory and practice are also presented.

Keywords: founder; personality traits; Big-Five; performance; family-owned SMEs.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIM.2019.096498

European Journal of International Management, 2019 Vol.13 No.1, pp.41 - 68

Received: 29 Jun 2016
Accepted: 05 Jan 2017
Published online: 05 Dec 2018 *

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