Entrepreneurship has gained notable attention from researchers and practitioners in recent years, particularly with the rapid acceleration of the digital revolution.
As a result, entrepreneurial behaviour is being scrutinised with increasing criticality. Both domestic and international scholars have examined how personality traits influence entrepreneurial behaviour.
Many companies and government organisations rely on entrepreneurs to alleviate unemployment by providing students with opportunities.
Job security is a primary concern for students globally, prompting universities to instill the confidence needed to become business owners, thus allowing them to escape the pressures of the labor market.
Previous research has explored the drivers of entrepreneurship, particularly focusing on the motivations behind individuals’ desire to work independently.
However, these studies have primarily focused on entrepreneurial models that describe how entrepreneurial alertness develops, without giving adequate attention to the connection between that and actual entrepreneurial behaviour.
Thus, it is crucial to understand how these models translate into action. The decision-making processes underpinning specific entrepreneurial behaviors remain an open question in behavioral studies.
Entrepreneurial alertness, a key psychological factor in recognising business opportunities, is widely regarded as the first critical step in the process. As a distinctive perspective in the field of entrepreneurship, it holds significant social and economic implications.
Kirzner introduced the concept of entrepreneurial alertness, defining it as "the ability to notice, without actively searching, possibilities that have previously been overlooked."
In recent years, theorists have increasingly used this concept to better analyse the business development process, identifying it as a crucial distinguishing trait of entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurial alertness is characterised by the capacity to recognise opportunities without deliberate search efforts, a unique skill that enables entrepreneurs to identify market gaps and opportunities that others miss.
Despite the growing body of literature highlighting the importance of it as a research area since 2006, the concept remains somewhat ambiguous and underdeveloped.
Certain personality traits are essential for entrepreneurship and can significantly impact entrepreneurial alertness. The dark tetrad—a group of dark personality traits—has been found to enhance it.
Narcissism and Machiavellianism are two key components of the dark tetrad. Narcissism involves excessive self-focus, accountability, and at times, aggressive behaviour. Machiavellianism, on the other hand, is characterised by manipulation and a willingness to deceive to achieve personal goals.
Individuals with high levels of dark triad traits often possess the necessary skills to recognise and capitalise on entrepreneurial opportunities.
Previous research has shown that the dark triad traits, though distinct, are modestly relevant and mutually influential. However, the qualitative examination of the relationship between dark triad traits and entrepreneurial behaviour, particularly through the lens of entrepreneurial alertness, remains limited, especially in the context of Pakistan.
Narcissism and entrepreneurial alertness
Narcissism, while not inherently psychopathic, follows a distinct developmental trajectory from childhood to adulthood. Narcissists tend to overestimate their importance, displaying optimism, impulsiveness, heightened emotionality, and sometimes aggressive behaviour.
However, narcissistic individuals also exhibit a sense of vulnerability. They are prone to making positive self-assessments and believe they can achieve favourable outcomes by leveraging entrepreneurial alertness. Their resilience allows them to overcome obstacles and setbacks in the early stages of business development more effectively than others.
In Kirzner’s entrepreneurial theory, alertness is fundamental, with alert individuals identifying opportunities that satisfy human needs. Entrepreneurs, therefore, must remain vigilant to previously unnoticed opportunities.
Machiavellianism and entrepreneurial alertness
Machiavellianism describes individuals who are calculating, skeptical, and manipulative, focusing solely on their own benefit and exploiting others to achieve their goals. Those with high levels of Machiavellianism are more likely than narcissists to be driven by self-interest. They are typically emotionally detached and prioritise self-preservation, rarely considering the impact of their actions on others.
Such individuals view entrepreneurship as a means to achieve power and financial success, believing that entrepreneurial alertness will help them identify market gaps and overlooked opportunities for profit.
Entrepreneurial alertness and entrepreneurial behaviour
Entrepreneurial alertness refers to an individual’s ability to foresee favourable future outcomes and plays a crucial role in the entrepreneurial process.
Those with heightened entrepreneurial alertness are more likely to recognise and seize opportunities for business growth, increasing their likelihood of engaging in entrepreneurial activities.
From an academic perspective, business schools could better guide students who exhibit high levels of dark triad traits, as these individuals may be less risk-averse and more adept at securing resources and funding for entrepreneurial ventures.
For policymakers, programs designed to enhance the business environment should focus on fostering entrepreneurial alertness rather than glorifying entrepreneurship through celebrity figures.
Ultimately, organisations must clearly define the characteristics of entrepreneurial behaviour among students and establish strong industry connections to support the development of innovative entrepreneurship programs.
The writer is a professor in the School of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the Guangzhou University, China. He can be reached at majidmurad@gzhu.edu.cn
