On the Effect of Managerial Power on Psychological Characteristics of Entrepreneurial Employees (Case Study: Agriculture Jahad Organizations of Western Azarbaijan Province)

The main objective of this research was to investigate the effect of managerial power on entrepreneurship psychological characteristics of employees in Agriculture Jahad Organizations of Western Azarbaijan Province, Iran. The stratified random sampling method was applied for data collection. In order to collect data, the power assessment questionnaire developed by Hinkin and Schriesheim (1989) and that of assessing entrepreneurship psychological characteristics developed by Durham Institute were used. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) based on partial least squares approach and SmartPLS v2 were used to analyze data. Results showed a significant positive relationship between managerial power (except for coercive power) and achievement orientation, intrinsic control, creativity, ambiguity tolerance, and independence characteristics; however, no significant relationship was observed between managerial power and the risk-taking characteristic. Additionally, results from the structural model showed managers' referent and expert powers have a significant positive effect on entrepreneurship psychological characteristics of employees. Therefore, drawing on the results of this research and the proper use of their power, managers of Agriculture Jahad Organizations can develop and strengthen entrepreneurial characteristics and entrepreneurship spirit amongst their employees, and consequently, guarantee the organization success and prosperity.