Exploring the Notion of Entrepreneurial Personality Traits as the Answer to Urban Poor Entrepreneurial Success
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24191/aej.v11i2.14385Keywords:
Entrepreneurial Personality Traits, Urban Poor, Entrepreneurial SuccessAbstract
This study examines how specific personality traits can help urban poor entrepreneurs in
Malaysia establish successful businesses and overcome poverty. Urban poverty is a growing
issue in Malaysia, affecting over a million people. Many in the B40 income group have turned
to entrepreneurship as a means of making a living, especially when job opportunities are
scarce. However, many are struggling to sustain their businesses due to a lack of skills, limited
access to resources, and a challenging economic environment. Government programmes, such
as microcredit, training, and financial support, have been introduced to help, and these have
had some positive impacts. However, many businesses still fail to survive in the long term.
One reason is that many policies focus mainly on financial support and forget an essential
factor: the role of entrepreneurs’ personal traits. Characteristics such as resilience, selfconfidence, emotional intelligence, and a willingness to take calculated risks are critical in
helping entrepreneurs adapt, overcome setbacks, and build sustainable businesses. The
literature shows that these traits play a vital role in shaping how urban poor entrepreneurs
respond to opportunities and challenges. An entrepreneur with high self-efficacy, creativity,
and proactiveness is more likely to build a successful and resilient business, even in the face
of scarce resources and challenging conditions. This paper argues that while financial and
institutional support are essential, entrepreneurship policies must also focus on nurturing
these vital traits. Helping urban poor entrepreneurs build resilience, confidence, and
creativity can make a significant difference in their ability to turn adversity into long-term
economic opportunity. Reducing urban poverty in Malaysia requires a balanced approach
that combines financial aid, training, and mentoring with efforts to build the psychological
strengths that enable entrepreneurs to thrive. By focusing on both external and internal
factors, Malaysia can create a more inclusive and sustainable pathway out of poverty for its
urban poor communities
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