The influence of sensation seeking in the heritability of entrepreneurship (original) (raw)

Can genetic factors influence the likelihood of engaging in entrepreneurial activity?

2008

This article offers an argument for how genetic factors may influence the tendency of people to engage in entrepreneurial activity, and describes four mechanisms through which genetic factors could operate. It also explores ways that researchers can use quantitative and molecular genetics to examine entrepreneurship, and discusses the potential implications of a genetic perspective for management research on entrepreneurship. ©

The genetic basis of entrepreneurship: Effects of gender and personality

2009

Extending previous research on the genetic underpinnings of entrepreneurship, we investigate gender differences in the genetic influences on the tendency of people to become entrepreneurs. We also examined two mediating variables through which genetic factors may impact this tendency: extraversion and neuroticism.

The contribution of behavior genetics to entrepreneurship: An evolutionary perspective

In line with well-replicated findings in psychology, genetic factors have been found to correlate with several measures of entrepreneurial activity, prompting a new conversation in the field. We contribute to this dialogue in several ways. First, we assess the contribution of this emergent literature in the light of well-established findings from behavior genetics. Second, we sharpen the debate by showing why an evolutionary perspective based on game theoretic models of gene-culture evolution, such as the Dual-Inheritance Theory, can help explain the mechanism behind the heritability of behaviors involving knowledge, beliefs, and interactions with other individuals. Third, we apply this framework to explain why entrepreneurial activity, even if heritable, will be highly contingent on environmental forces. Finally, we discuss the implications of our model and sketch a research agenda for studies on entrepreneurship.

On the Opportunities and Risks of Examining the Genetics of Entrepreneurship

Genes

Recent accomplishments in genome sequencing techniques have resulted in vast and complex genomic data sets, which have been used to uncover the genetic correlates of not only strictly medical phenomena but also psychological characteristics such as personality traits. In this commentary, we call for the use of genomic data analysis to unlock the valuable field of the genetics of entrepreneurship. Understanding what makes an entrepreneur and what explains their success is paramount given the importance of entrepreneurship to individual, organizational, and societal growth and success. Most of the studies into the genetics of entrepreneurship have investigated familial entrepreneurial inclinations in the form of parent–offspring comparisons or twin studies. However, these do not offer a complete picture of the etiology of entrepreneurship. The use of big data analytics combined with the rapidly growing field of genetic mapping has the potential to offer a more complete picture of the ...