Big five personality characteristics have proved to be a germinal personality theory providing insight scientifically into the causal factors that mold a person’s capabilities and bearing towards a purpose. However, in spite that the significance of this personality theory to personality research and the potentiality of these factors, few studies used this model on a Bumiputras sample in Malaysia. Hence, this paper highlights the significance of using Big five personality characteristics by exploring the personality characteristics of the Bumiputra entrepreneurs using the Big Five. The study was based on a pilot study conducted of a 100 Bumiputra entrepreneurs that are being supported by government agencies. Therefore, Exploratory Factor Analysis was adopted in extracting the relevant factors in the analysis. The eventual analysis resulted in two of the dimensions being significant which are conscientiousness and openness to experience, and the other three dimensions were found to be not significant. This finding was corroborated by previous studies done on big five which also revealed the prevalence of some of the dimensions in some societies, while the dearth of some dimensions concurrently. This indicates that the Bumiputra Malays in Terengganu are generally more reserved just as expected by their communitarian society ethics, values and traditions teach them politeness, courteousness and respectfulness. However, this raises the question whether the values conflict with the general notion of aggressiveness “survival of the fittest” thing of the current business world.
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In-Text Citation: (Sabiu, Zainol, Daud, Rashid, & Afthanorhan, 2018)
To Cite this Article: Sabiu, I. T., Zainol, F. A., Daud, W. N. W., Rashid, N., & Afthanorhan, A. (2018). Big Five Personality Characteristics: An Exploratory Study on Bumiputra SMEs in Malaysia. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 8(12), 866–881.
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