Entrepreneurial Activity as a Function of Achievement Motivation and Reinforcement Control

Summary Reinforcement control and achievement motivation measures were given to 29 black individuals engaged in operating small businesses, and their level of business activity was assessed 18 months later. Individuals with a high need to achieve were found to be significantly more active than those whose achievement motivation was low. Activity scores of internal locus of control individuals were significantly higher than those of externals. Internals with a high need to achieve were significantly more active than all others. It was inferred from the data that thoughts are most successfully translated into action when the individual feels in control of his fate and recognizes the steps that are instrumental in reaching goals.