Malay Owner Managers of SMEs: The Typology

This study identifies the different classification of Malay owner managers based on the psychological and behavioral factors. The survey comprised sample of 162 small scale SMEs’ owners in manufacturing industry, in Malaysia. Rasch Measurement Model was employed for that purpose. The findings indicated that psychological (personal values and self efficacy motivation) and behavioral (entrepreneurial orientations) factors were able to differentiate owner managers into five classification; Exemplar, Competence, Mediocre, Survivor and Poor. The interesting findings serve as a reminder to the Malaysian government to focus on both the psychological and behavioral aspects of owner managers in an effort to improve Malay SMEs businesses.