Personal values and identity structures of Malay and Chinese entrepreneurs in Malaysia

摘要

The research involves a cross-cultural exploratory research on personal values and identitystructures of Malay and Chinese entrepreneurs as reflected in their cognitive functioning.The general focus of this research is to study personal values through indirect measures, asemerging constructs elicited from cognitive activities. This study adopts a different approachin that it moves away from the search for a single set of entrepreneurial traits. On the otherhand, examining the personal values of entrepreneurs can be more fruitful. In this context, itis assumed that entrepreneurs undergo changes in personal values and identity due to changesin their personal and social situations.This research integrates nomothetic' (perspective of the general) and 'idiographic'(perspective of the particular) research methods. The techniques of data collection used arein-depth interviews, demographic data questionnaire, and Identity Structure Analysis. Thedata gathered were analysed using three different techniques namely quantitative andqualitative account analysis, statistical analysis using SPSS, and Identity Exploration (IDEX-IDIO and IDEX-NOMO) computer programs.The research reveals fifteen personal values common to Malay and Chinese entrepreneurs:'personal independence, trustworthiness, a comfortable life, frugality, perseverance, hardwork utilise and create opportunities, benevolence, versatility, fatalism, risk taking, selfdiscipline, innovativeness, mutual obligation and reciprocity to family and kinship and highachievement'. The single personal value found specific to Malay entrepreneurs is 'religiouspiety'. On the other hand, the personal values revealed to be specific to Chineseentrepreneurs are 'sustaining growth and continuity as family business' and 'harmoniousrelationships with others'.The findings from this study show that there are similarities and differences in the identitystructures between both groups of entrepreneurs. Most Malay and Chinese entrepreneurshave a high level of 'idealistic identification' with 'admired person', 'successfulentrepreneur', and 'most Chinese entrepreneurs'. Chinese entrepreneurs sampled in thisstudy have a 'moderate' level of 'idealistic identification' with Malay entrepreneurs. Malayentrepreneurs have a 'moderate' level of 'idealistic identification' with their 'father' whereasChinese entrepreneurs' identification can be considered 'high'. Both groups of entrepreneurshave high self-confidence with regard to their roles as 'an entrepreneur', 'as a husband', and'as a Malay/ Chinese'.This research has made considerable contribution to knowledge specifically in the field ofentrepreneurial studies. This empirical research into personal values of entrepreneurs ingeneral and in particular the linkage with entrepreneur's identity and role expectationsbroadened the psychological perspective of entrepreneurs. It is reasonable to qualify thisresearch as one of the very few studies into personal values and identity structures ofentrepreneurs. More specifically this is the first empirical research not only to comparepersonal values and identity of Malay and Chinese entrepreneurs but also Malayentrepreneurs in general. The study of personal values and identity of entrepreneurs is still inits infancy. Therefore, further research should be conducted to enrich existing knowledge inthis area.