Antisocial teens more likely to become entrepreneurs

Researchers from the University of Stockholm recently published  a study  showing how modest antisocial behavior among adolescent boys was a positive indicator of future entrepreneurship (the  relevant characteristic was behavior rather than beliefs. When it came to antisocial attitudes that did not result in rule-breaking, the researchers found no correlation with entrepreneurship).

The study used data on an entire Swedish grade-school cohort that was tracked into its mid-40s. It controlled for socioeconomic status and IQ, although did find that the wealthier and smarter students were more likely to become entrepreneurs (for both males and females).

From the study:

These results  suggest that male entrepreneurs, when compared to male non-entrepreneurs, may go through a somewhat stronger rebellious and non-conformist phase in adolescence with regard to their behaviors; they may “drift” towards antisocial involvements in their adolescent years without becoming outlaws or developing into notorious criminals.

In many ways, the findings do make a certain sort of sense.

Entrepreneurs are, almost by definition, looking to take risky actions that somehow upset the status quo. At the same time, however, they are generally viewed as pro-social individuals (thanks to job creation, etc.). So perhaps those punishments for breaking rules as a teen are made up for as an adult, when you are admired for directing those antisocial tendencies into something more productive than cutting class.

 

For the full article please see…-Dan Primack Fortune