Achievement Motivation Among Malaysian Entrepreneurs

The present study examines the status of achievement motivation among Malaysian entrepreneurs. A total of 133 Malay and Chinese entrepreneurs from Selangor and Kuala Lumpur were surveyed. Achievement motivation was measured by Mehrabian Achievement Scale (1963), which indicate that the Malaysian entrepreneurs have moderately low achievement motivation. High scores were recorded on future orientation and their responsibility in undertaking a particular task individually. The findings also indicate that Malaysian entrepreneurs are not willing to undertake difficult and challenging task, and are dependent in nature. There was no significant difference in achievement motivation between the Malay and Chinese entrepreneurs. Both groups are strong in their future orientation and their responsibility in performing a particular task. The Malay entrepreneurs prefer to compete in a team rather than individually. The Chinese entrepreneurs on the other hand prefer to perform tasks which they find easy rather than doing a difficult and challenging one. The implication of the study is that the achievement motivation aspect of entrepreneurs should be included in entrepreneurial training programmes in schools and higher institutions. This personality trait should be given emphasis just like the other managerial skills.