Concept of Unemployment, Entrepreneur and Entrepreneurship.

Unemployment can be attributed to a lack of genuine earning opportunities, which in turn affects living standards, economic growth, and social cohesion. Unemployment has been on the rise (World Bank, 2016). Is this not an unsettling issue? Does this not call for “action on jobs, justice, and equity? It is time to accelerate youth empowerment, and it is essential to incorporate youth perspectives into policies, programs, and projects that support youth employment and overall empowerment. The approach of boosting self-employment to reduce unemployment directly is relatively straightforward, encouraging the transition from unemployment to self-employment through start-up incentives, tax reductions, and other measures. A study shows that start-ups will create new jobs annually.  This includes funding for youths who are interested in starting genuine businesses. Congregado et al. (2010) state that the search for answers to the unemployment crisis is currently the most significant issue facing governments worldwide. In this sense, much discussion on reducing unemployment has focused on the importance of fostering entrepreneurship. Entrepreneur and Entrepreneurship An entrepreneur is broadly defined as a person who identifies opportunities, takes risks, and mobilizes resources to create and sustain value through innovation and business activity. According to Gallup (2014), an entrepreneur is “an individual who proactively seeks to generate value through the expansion of economic activity and creatively responds to challenges and needs encountered in accomplishing this outcome.” With a proactive action, entrepreneurs do not wait for opportunities; they actively seek them. By creative response, entrepreneurs adapt, innovate, and find solutions to challenges. Entrepreneurship has long been regarded as the driving force behind economic growth, innovation, and social progress. But what makes some individuals more likely than others to take the risks, face the challenges, and seize the opportunities that define entrepreneurial success? Research suggests that personality traits, combined with cultural context, play a critical role in shaping entrepreneurial potential. The Concept of Entrepreneurship: Gallup defines an entrepreneur as “an individual who proactively seeks to generate value through the expansion of economic activity and creatively responds to challenges and needs encountered in accomplishing this outcome” (Gallup, 2014). This definition highlights two key aspects of entrepreneurship: the proactive pursuit of opportunity and the creative response to challenges. Gallup’s framework emphasizes that entrepreneurship is not merely about starting a business but about the talents and strengths individuals bring to problem-solving, innovation, and value creation. Some people naturally possess the talents required to excel as entrepreneurs, while others may struggle without support or guidance. Personality Traits and Entrepreneurship: Personality plays a central role in determining who thrives as an entrepreneur. Hofstede and Minkov (2010) describe personality as a unique set of “mental programs” as software of the mind shaped by genetics, culture, and personal experience. This means that entrepreneurial traits are not developed in isolation but are influenced by broader cultural and social factors. For example, the Igbo people of West Africa are often noted for their adventurousness, courage, and willingness to explore new opportunities. These cultural traits contribute to their reputation as successful entrepreneurs. By embracing risk-taking and demonstrating resilience, they embody qualities essential to entrepreneurship. Culture and the Entrepreneurial Mindset: As Gallup’s framework acknowledges, individual traits do not exist in a vacuum. The drive to innovate and create value is often rooted in cultural settings that encourage opportunity-seeking behavior. Personality traits such as resilience, adaptability, and creativity are expressed differently depending on the environment in which an individual is raised and operates. Entrepreneurship, therefore, is best understood as an intersection between individual psychology and cultural context. Both the internal “software” of personality and the external ecosystem shape how people recognize opportunities, take risks, and build enterprises. In conclusion, entrepreneurship is more than a career choice it is a mindset influenced by personality traits and cultural environments. Gallup’s emphasis on talent and Hofstede's concept of “software of the mind” together provide a powerful lens for understanding why some individuals are better equipped to navigate entrepreneurial challenges. When communities, such as the Igbo, cultivate traits like courage and adventurousness, they nurture generations of entrepreneurs capable of driving economic and social progress. Therefore, CETI aims to equip individuals with the skills, confidence, and entrepreneurial mindset necessary to create opportunities for themselves and others. Promote innovation and self-reliance, empower learners to generate sustainable livelihoods, reduce unemployment, and contribute meaningfully to the growth and resilience of our communities. References Bottoni, G., & Addeo, F. (2024). The effect of social cohesion on subjective individual quality of life in European countries. Social Indicators Research, 171(3), 1111-1133. Gallup. (2014). Entrepreneurship and Job Creation Report. Gallup, Inc. Congregado, E., Golpe, A. A., & Carmona, M. (2010). Is it a good policy to promote self-employment for job creation? Evidence from Spain. Journal of Policy Modeling, 32(6), 828-842. Hofstede, G., & Minkov, M. (2010). Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind. McGraw-Hill.