Personality distinctions between entrepreneurs, non-founder CEOs/leaders, and inventor employees have received limited attention, especially in innovative settings where they are working together. Researchers surveyed these groups, along with other employees of innovative firms, at 4 locations of a prominent innovation and coworking center in the U.S. Entrepreneurs display the greatest tolerance of risk, even in small gambles, as well as the strongest self-efficacy, internal locus of control, and need for achievement. The non-founder CEOs/leaders typically fell in between entrepreneurs and employees for personality traits. Entrepreneurs, non-founder CEOs/leaders, and inventor employees all showed more innovative personalities than non-inventor employees in the same companies.
