Entrepreneurs Driven by the Need for Self-Fulfillment : An exploration of the origin of such a need and how entrepreneurs work towards fulfilling it

Abstract: This paper is a Master Thesis studying the human need for Self-Fulfillment, presented as the equivalent of Self-Actualization, in the context of entrepreneurship. The problems identified in the field are the lack of literature on Self-Actualization in entrepreneurship although it is something observed in the world, the lack of empirical data in the field of motivation, and finally the fact Self-Actualization is a need leading an individual to contribute to his or her surrounding (unlike other needs), which makes understanding its consequences and origin all the more important. Two aspects were chosen to cover the topic: tracing the origin of the need and understanding how entrepreneurs fulfill it (for those using their compa-ny for that purpose). To do so, interviews consisting of 4 themes were carried out with 12 individuals having started and running their company (both genders, various cultural backgrounds, with companies of various size, age and industry), and driven by the need to Self-Fulfill. The main findings are the fact the individual’s mindset and attitudes seem to be what enables him or her to reach Self-Actualization, and these human qualities and characteristic could be gathered under the terms “Personal Development”. Also some people felt the need to Self-Actualize before starting the venture and thus have an idea of how to contribute: the company be-comes only a step in the process. Others reached the need after starting the company and see it as a set of opportunities to Self-Actualize. In both case however, a holistic view over the firm seems to be the only way to truly actualize through it: every aspect of the business needs to be focused on helping and improvement (not just the business idea). Finally, by expanding the findings made in entrepreneurship, this paper suggests that in general, Personal Development may  lead to society’s improvement and provides some suggestions to continue the study.