ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHARACTERISTICS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN RIVERS STATE

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between entrepreneurial characteristics and economic growth in Rivers State, Nigeria. Despite abundant natural resources, Rivers State continues to face high unemployment, pervasive poverty, and a fragile non-oil economy, making entrepreneurship a critical driver of inclusive development. Using a quantitative survey design, data were collected from 400 entrepreneurs across trade, services, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors, with 372 valid responses analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Findings reveal that entrepreneurial Characteristics such as ,risk-taking, proactiveness, self-efficacy, and Leadership Skills are all significantly and positively related to economic growth indicators such as SME survival, job creation, and contributions to local GDP. Self-efficacy emerged as the strongest predictor of growth, followed by leadership Skills, proactiveness, and risk-taking. The results affirm the relevance of Endogenous Growth Theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour, highlighting the importance of psychological and behavioural capacities in shaping entrepreneurial outcomes in challenging environments. The study concludes that while infrastructural and institutional constraints hinder Economic growth, strengthening Internal entrepreneurial characteristics is crucial for resilient and sustainable Economic Growth. It recommends targeted capacity-building programmes, improved infrastructure, access to finance, and context-specific policy interventions to enhance entrepreneurial performance  thus engendering  Economic Growh n Rivers State.