Impact of the Big Five Personality Traits on Entrepreneurial Intentions among Qatar University Students

Objective: This research aimed to assess the impact of the Big Five personality traits on entrepreneurial intentions among Qatar University students. Methods: The researcher applied a descriptive-analytical approach, utilising a questionnaire that included validated scales. The questionnaire was emailed to Qatar University students, resulting in 502 responses from the university community of over 22,000 students. Secondary data were also collected from published research articles. Results: The research confirmed the presence of entrepreneurial intentions among the students, supported by statistically significant relationships between these intentions and the Big Five personality traits. The analysis revealed significant positive correlations between extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience with entrepreneurial intentions, while neuroticism did not exhibit a significant relationship. Additionally, significant positive relationships were found between openness to experience (r = 0.187, P < .001), conscientiousness (r = 0.180, P < .001), extraversion (r = 0.246, P < .001), and agreeableness (r = 0.116, P = .010) with entrepreneurial intentions. Neuroticism showed no significant negative relationship (r = -0.010, P = .829) with entrepreneurial intentions in this sample, reaffirming the robustness of the research findings. Conclusion: The research recommends that the study of the Big Five personality traits and their effects on entrepreneurial intentions should be embedded in entrepreneurship education programs and courses. This information will help students understand the impact of their personality traits on their entrepreneurial capabilities and guide them toward enhancing their strengths.