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Risk, Balanced Skills and Entrepreneurship

Author

Listed:
  • Chihmao Hsieh

    (University of Amsterdam)

  • Simon C. Parker

    (University of Western Ontario)

  • C. Mirjam van Praag

    (University of Amsterdam)

Abstract

This paper proposes that risk aversion encourages individuals to invest in balancedskill profiles, making them more likely to become entrepreneurs. By not havingtaken this possible linkage into account, previous research has underestimated the impactsboth of risk aversion and balanced skills on the likelihood individuals chooseentrepreneurship. Data on Dutch university graduates provides evidence which supportsthis contention. It thereby raises the possibility that even risk-averse peoplemight be suited to entrepreneurship; and it may also help explain why prior researchhas generated mixed evidence about the effects of risk aversion on selection into entrepreneurship.

Suggested Citation

  • Chihmao Hsieh & Simon C. Parker & C. Mirjam van Praag, 2011. "Risk, Balanced Skills and Entrepreneurship," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 11-178/3, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20110178
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    entrepreneurship; jack-of-all-trades; risk; human capital; occupational choice;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups

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