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Psychosocial Influence and Self – Employment: A Study of Key Commercial Zones in Anambra State, South East, Nigeria

Nwankwo, Christopher Ikechukwu PhD

Abstract

The study examines the relationship between psychosocial influence and self-employment in Anambra State, South East Nigeria. This formed the broad objective of the study. The specific objectives were to: determine the relationship between need for achievement (n- ach), risk – taking propensity, family background, and social capital and self – employment. Survey research method was used for the study, while questionnaire was used to elicit responses from the respondents. Population of the study was 320, made up of entrepreneurs/managers of small and medium scale enterprises in three commercial zones of Anambra State. Statistical package for social sciences version 22 was employed to analyze the data collected from respondents, with Pearson’s product moment correlation used to verify the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The response format was a five – point Likert scale. The study found statistically significant relationships between need for achievement, risk taking propensity, and social capital, and self-employment. Based on these findings, the researcher recommends as follows: people, especially youths should always aim at achieving high but positive goals, aspire to lead, and encourage others to succeed; must embrace education for self- employment; be patient and obedient to parents and family members who are entrepreneurs, and embrace trade apprenticeship to enhance their chances for self-employment. The researcher believes if these recommendations are adopted by youths in Anambra, and South East in general, the issue of unemployment will considerably reduce.

Keywords

psychosocialself-employmentcommercial zonesrisk – taking propensitysocial capitalfamily backgroundneed for achievement.

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