The Mind behind the machine: mapping personality-based traits to entrepreneurial decision-making in construction SMES

Abstract

The management of entrepreneurial decisions is a factor of successful and sustainable entrepreneurial construction SMEs and is especially important in markets which are highly uncertain and competitive. But there are few studies that have studied the effect of personality-based traits on entrepreneurial decisions in construction SMEs. Therefor, this study investigates the influence of Big Five personality-based traits, (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism), on entrepreneurial decision-making processes within Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) construction organisations in Sri Lanka. Following a comprehensive literature review, the data were collected from 45 managerial-level professionals in Sri Lankan construction SMEs by administrating a questionnaire survey assessing participants' Big Five personality profiles and entrepreneurial decision-making styles (creative thinking, information dependence, risk-taking, monitoring/evaluation, and decision framing). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Key findings revealed that construction SME leaders exhibit high levels of Openness, Agreeableness, Extraversion and Conscientiousness, with comparatively lower Neuroticism. In decision-making, a strong reliance on information dependence and active monitoring was evident, with moderate engagement in creative thinking and risk-taking. Correlation analysis revealed that Conscientiousness demonstrated the strongest relationship with information dependence while Openness and Agreeableness showed moderate correlations with creative thinking. These findings confirm that specific personality configurations are prevalent among SME leaders and significantly shape their decision-making approaches. The insights offer valuable implications for developing targeted leadership training programmes and enhancing strategic planning in Sri Lankan construction SMEs.