Exploring the relationship between trait mindfulness and entrepreneurial potential: a questionnaire-based study

Bennett, Anthony (2017) Exploring the relationship between trait mindfulness and entrepreneurial potential: a questionnaire-based study. Liverpool John Moores University. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Entrepreneurship has an important impact on the economy and individual prosperity. Dispositional mindfulness could provide a positive influence on the development of entrepreneurship given that it has been associated with enhanced performance in related occupational settings such as management and leadership. With a paucity of research in this area, a brief exploratory study was used to determine if dispositional mindfulness may predict entrepreneurship. In particular to examine if specific facets of dispositional mindfulness would positively predict entrepreneurial traits. Additionally, to investigate if level of entrepreneurial activity, as indicated by employed status (self-employed, employed or student) had a moderating effect. To maximise participation, the study was kept brief employing two self-report measures: the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) – measuring dispositional mindfulness and its subscales (non-reacting, describing, acting aware, observing, non-judging); and the Measure of Entrepreneurial Tendencies and Abilities (META) which assesses four aspects of entrepreneurial personality (creativity, proactivity, opportunism, vision). Participants’ demographic information was also collected. 173 participants took part, with a mean age of 33.25 years. FFMQ score was shown to significantly predict META scores (Beta=.48, p<.001). Further, non-reacting significantly predicted proactivity, creativity and vision, with acting-aware significantly predicting creativity. However, acting-aware did not significantly predict opportunism or proactivity, and non-judging did not significantly predict proactivity or creativity. Additionally, participants’ employed status had no moderating effects on the observed relationships. The positive results found represent an exploratory first step toward establishing a meaningful link between mindfulness and entrepreneurship, potentially informing future interventions to nurture entrepreneurial skills in educational and occupational settings