Predictors of Entrepreneurial Success in Tunisia

Abstract

The current study explores the different psychological and cultural predictors of successful entrepreneurship in Tunisia. The relationships between entrepreneurial self-efficacy, risk-taking propensity, wasta (advantages through a third party), and entrepreneurial success were investigated on a sample of 135 female entrepreneurs across Tunisia. Entrepreneurial success, measured by entrepreneur performance and turnover intentions, was identified with surveys taken by staff members at entrepreneurship training centers. Results indicated that entrepreneurial self-efficacy and risk-taking propensity were not significantly related to entrepreneur performance or turnover intentions. Wasta was positively related to entrepreneur performance, but not related to turnover intentions. Analyses with self-efficacy and risk-taking predicting entrepreneurial success with wasta as a moderator fell short of significance. In conclusion, wasta strongly contributes to entrepreneur performance.