The personality-driven startup: how Big Five traits influence networking behavior and business success

This study mainly focuses on investigating the impact of Big Five traits of the entrepreneurs on their networking behavior and business success of entrepreneurs in a small-scale business. A sample of 406 entrepreneurs from two cities in India has been selected using cross-sectional research design and the data was analyzed using Smart PLS 4 Software. The findings suggest that personality factors Agreeableness, Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Openness to experience are directly associated with business success, and networking behavior also plays a mediating role. Conscientiousness has no significant effect on the success of the business, and networking behavior has no mediating role in this relationship. This research is important for entrepreneurs as there they can identify dominant personality traits and engage in networking to expand their business. An awareness on the importance of networking for their business success should be created among entrepreneurs. By adding personality variables and commercial prospects into the idea of social networks, it adds to the body of previous literature by offering a deeper view of startup success.