An analysis of factors related to “taking risks”, according to selected socio-demographic factors

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyze the approach to risks and risk management, as well as, the influence of selected factors to the risk management in small and medium-sized enterprises in the Czech Republic. This paper introduces the results of research conducted in 2015, at Tomas Bata University in Zlín. Data obtained through an on-line questionnaire incorporates information about SMEs (Small (Micro) and Medium-sized Enterprise) from all over the Czech Republic were surveyed by using an on-line. Although the sample of 1,141 respondents has not been collected through targeted sampling, and hence, cannot be regarded representative, owing to its size, it still provides trustworthy information about the business environment in the Czech Republic. The areas of risk perception, risk elimination and the courage to invest in risky projects were used for this paper. The influence of gender, age and age of the company on the courage to take business risks has been shown. Men are more likely to undergo the experience of risk taking than women, younger than older entrepreneurs, university-educated entrepreneurs rather than the less educated. The results of the research were then compared with previous surveys or publications.