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Entrepreneurs' Perception of Social Support and Health : Does Business Size Matter?
Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2011-06-08
Author(s)
Pullich, Janine
Abstract
In this paper, we assess whether job characteristics, such as business size, autonomy, work load and business networks influence entrepreneurs' perception of social support and health.
Data is obtained from the seventh wave of the Household, Income, and Labour Dynamics Panel of Australia (HILDA). The panel comprises a subsample of 805 self-employed running their own business with employees. We use structural equation modeling to test our hypotheses.
First results reveal that the entrepreneurs comprised in our sample are highly satisfied with there jobs. We can show that perceived social support is positively related to entrepreneurs' life and job satisfaction and that it explains some of the variance in their individual health state. We can distinguish between private social support and business social support. Perceived private social support moderates the relationship between business size and entrepreneurs' health and buffers a lack of social support in the business context.
Given the fact that entrepreneurship promotion programs mostly focus on business planning and financial sourcing, we strongly recommend to strengthen entrepreneurial networks that provide business related social support. Entrepreneurs specifically benefit from close and trustful relationships with experienced entrepreneurs providing business advice, appreciation, and feedback. In addition, we think that health education and building awareness for recreational aspects should be part of entrepreneurship education, especially for practitioners but also for undergraduates and graduate students.
Data is obtained from the seventh wave of the Household, Income, and Labour Dynamics Panel of Australia (HILDA). The panel comprises a subsample of 805 self-employed running their own business with employees. We use structural equation modeling to test our hypotheses.
First results reveal that the entrepreneurs comprised in our sample are highly satisfied with there jobs. We can show that perceived social support is positively related to entrepreneurs' life and job satisfaction and that it explains some of the variance in their individual health state. We can distinguish between private social support and business social support. Perceived private social support moderates the relationship between business size and entrepreneurs' health and buffers a lack of social support in the business context.
Given the fact that entrepreneurship promotion programs mostly focus on business planning and financial sourcing, we strongly recommend to strengthen entrepreneurial networks that provide business related social support. Entrepreneurs specifically benefit from close and trustful relationships with experienced entrepreneurs providing business advice, appreciation, and feedback. In addition, we think that health education and building awareness for recreational aspects should be part of entrepreneurship education, especially for practitioners but also for undergraduates and graduate students.
Language
English
Keywords
Health
Social Support
Entrepreneurship
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Book title
Frontiers of Entrepreneurship Research
Publisher
Babson Digital Knowledge
Publisher place
Massachusetts
Volume
Vol. 31
Start page
8
Event Title
31st Annual Babson College Entrepreneurship Research Conference (BCERC)
Event Location
Syracuse NY
Event Date
08.-11.06.2011
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
155905