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Article
Publication date: 3 March 2023

Agnieszka Kurczewska and Michał Mackiewicz

In spite of the recognised significance of habitual entrepreneurship, enough is not known about the drivers that lead individuals to become habitual entrepreneurs. Drawing from…

Abstract

Purpose

In spite of the recognised significance of habitual entrepreneurship, enough is not known about the drivers that lead individuals to become habitual entrepreneurs. Drawing from Lazear’s theory of entrepreneurship, this paper addresses the specifics of habitual entrepreneurs in terms of different human capital-related factors, including breadth and diversity of experience and education. This paper aims to elucidate what makes some people habitual entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

In this empirical study on a broad data set (1,538 surveys), the authors juxtapose habitual entrepreneurs with ex-entrepreneurs who decided to give up and chose a salary job after running their first and only firm. The authors formulate four hypotheses that are tested by using a logit regression to model the probability of being a habitual entrepreneur vs giving up entrepreneurship and choosing a salary job.

Findings

The probability of being a habitual entrepreneur increases with the diversity of both managerial and professional experience, as well as with the breadth of education. In addition, entrepreneurial self-efficacy supports setting up more than one firm.

Practical implications

The findings actualise knowledge of whether habitual entrepreneurs are unique concerning their pools of human capital. They broaden the knowledge of the backgrounds of the decision to start up a business again.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the current entrepreneurship discussion by offering an enhanced understanding of habitual entrepreneurship. The phenomenon of repeatedly engaging in entrepreneurship is a promising source of knowledge that enables us to better understand entrepreneurship. In addition, the authors verify and extend Lazear’s theory to a new group of entrepreneurs.

Details

European Business Review, vol. 35 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-534X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 14 April 2020

Agnieszka Kurczewska and Michał Mackiewicz

The purpose of this paper is to identify human capital factors that pertain both to setting up and successfully running a business. To achieve this objective, the authors apply…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify human capital factors that pertain both to setting up and successfully running a business. To achieve this objective, the authors apply and extend the theory of career choice offered by Lazear (2005) that explains individual selection into entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors hypothesise that individuals with broader educational and professional backgrounds are more likely to start a business and are more likely to run a business in the long term. The authors tested the hypotheses using unique data from 800 current entrepreneurs, 800 employees who were previously entrepreneurs and 842 employees with no entrepreneurial experience, by means of a logit regression with robust standard errors and extensive robustness checks.

Findings

The authors empirically show that individuals with more diverse educational and professional backgrounds tend to have both greater chances of starting a company, as well as a higher probability of entrepreneurial success. Surprisingly, having managerial experience proved to exert a negative influence on the likelihood of starting a business while having an insignificant impact on the odds of entrepreneurial success.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are informative for those planning or pursuing an entrepreneurial career, but they are also relevant for the purpose of entrepreneurship education.

Originality/value

The author's extend the body of research supporting Lazear's (2005) theory by showing that broad education and professional experience not only contribute to a higher propensity to start a company but they are also success factors in business per se.

Details

Baltic Journal of Management, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5265

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 27 September 2019

Jose Manuel Saiz-Alvarez

The goal of this work is to include the new economic-based approaches related to entrepreneurship that have been published in the literature. Based on the neoclassical and…

Abstract

The goal of this work is to include the new economic-based approaches related to entrepreneurship that have been published in the literature. Based on the neoclassical and Austrian schools, some sociological, psychological and economic theories about entrepreneurship. In this work, some unknown economic-based approaches related to entrepreneurship will be summarized, as they are included in the work of Saiz-Alvarez and García-Vaquero (2017). These approaches are: (1) The Jack-of-all-trades Theory, (2) The Mezzanine Theory, (3) The O-Ring Theory, (4) The Theory of Resources and Capabilities, (5) Entrepreneurial Bricolage, (6) The Processes’ School, (7) The Feedback Loop Theory, (8) The Theory of Effectuation, and (9) The Theory of the Optimal Triangle. All these theories will be summarized in this chapter.

Article
Publication date: 29 June 2021

Gloria L. Sweida and Morgan D. Tallman

The purpose of this paper is threefold. The first is to explore how children engage in entrepreneurship by creating a comprehensive inventory of commercial activities in which…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold. The first is to explore how children engage in entrepreneurship by creating a comprehensive inventory of commercial activities in which children engage. The second is to examine the extent to which the activities and categories of activities are gendered. The third purpose is to explore if the breadth of entrepreneurial activities (i.e., balanced skillset) increases entrepreneurship chances in emerging adults.

Design/methodology/approach

A holistic approach was used to create an inventory of commercial activities in which children engage. The researchers engaged in seven iterations, including scholarly and Internet searches, think-aloud and pilot tests, before submitting the inventory of over 100 activities to 928 participants. The relationship between general experiences and business startup was analyzed using binary logistic regression with a subsample of emerging adults aged 18–29.

Findings

The results revealed that 61% of the 23 categories and 53% of the 121 activities were gendered. Girls and boys tend to gravitate to gender-stereotypical entrepreneurial endeavors. Males were more likely to engage in stereotypical male commercial activities outside of the home, such as yard work, farm work and painting structures. In contrast, females were more likely to engage in stereotypical female commercial activities inside the home or activities related to beauty, crafts or food. Results also revealed that a variety of entrepreneurial activities and a general versus specific college degree increased the odds of starting a business in emerging adults regardless of gender.

Originality/value

Research and viewpoints explaining the gendered construction of entrepreneurship have been widely discussed. However, little is known about early-age commercial activities and their gendered nature. To our knowledge, this is the first construction of a childpreneur inventory and a subsequent demonstration of a connection between childpreneur activities and gender. This study also builds on prior work with emerging adults and the jack of all trades theory by suggesting that pursuing a balanced skillset is something learned early in life. The results will be useful to other researchers in gender and entrepreneurship and support agencies that seek to encourage children's entrepreneurial aspirations.

Details

International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-6266

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 4 August 2014

Katerina Voutsina, Gaëtan Mourmant and Fred Niederman

This research expands the scope of the exploitation/exploration literature which has generally embraced a firm-level perspective by showing the theoretical and practical relevance…

Abstract

This research expands the scope of the exploitation/exploration literature which has generally embraced a firm-level perspective by showing the theoretical and practical relevance of this framework for the study of entrepreneurial behaviour from an individual-level perspective. The study exemplifies specific instances where explorative or exploitative aspects of behaviour are likely to be manifested as a response to specific types of shocks that precede and impact the decision to quit and start one’s own business. Different types of shocks or entrepreneurial events displace the individual from the inertia of existing behaviour and pave the way for the consideration of a new set of opportunities; a new set of opportunities where entrepreneurial initiatives are perceived to be both feasible and desirable (exploitation–exploitation). Drawing upon 80 semi-structured and longitudinal interviews with entrepreneurs who quitted their ‘salaried job’ in order to start their own business, the study: (a) provides an inventory of events/shocks found to precipitate the interviewees’ decision to quit, and (b) links the various types of shocks with the prospective explorative and/or exploitative entrepreneurial initiatives. In this respect, the dynamics that underlie the effects of shocks on entrepreneurial behaviour are illustrated, while blurriness and interrelatedness of exploitative and explorative aspects of entrepreneurial behaviour are exemplified. Such a detailed list of shocks may serve as reference tool for both prospective entrepreneurs who wish to make an entrepreneurial shift in their career, as well as managers who wish to be proactive in avoiding or encouraging entrepreneurial employee turnover.

Details

Exploration and Exploitation in Early Stage Ventures and SMEs
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78350-655-2

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 July 2014

Joseph Mpeera Ntayi, Henry Mutebi, Kenneth Byangwa and Susan Georgina Kamanyi

– The purpose of this paper is to provide policy and managerial implications required in solving the daunting problem of the existing low-entrepreneurial capital in Uganda.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide policy and managerial implications required in solving the daunting problem of the existing low-entrepreneurial capital in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

A large-scale comprehensive survey using a sample of 11,105 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from 40 high-growth towns was selected and undertaken from five regions of Uganda. The response rate was 40.5 per cent, translating into 4,498 usable questionnaires.

Findings

Results reveal that institutional framing, entrepreneurship human capital and entrepreneurial moral values predict entrepreneurship capital in Uganda. These results are presented and discussed in detail in this paper.

Research limitations/implications

The study applied a cross-sectional approach to study behaviour, yet studying behaviour requires time. Therefore, there is need for scholars to undertake a follow up study to test the hypotheses using longitudinal data.

Practical implications

The paper provides implications for the review and development of supporting institutional frames for entrepreneurship, promoting generalized forms of human capital and entrepreneurial ethics moral values.

Originality/value

The motivation for the study is derived from the observation that the legal and regulatory framework in Uganda is biased against SMEs. This is manifested in the high-regulatory burden of registering and running enterprises in Uganda. For example, the cost of registering a business in Uganda is high. Legal proceedings in Uganda are inefficient, complex and costly only favouring firms with resources and connections. This may restrict enterprise development and increase the costs of running businesses, distort human capital and entrepreneurial moral values thereby affecting entrepreneurship capital.

Details

World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-5961

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 August 2020

Caitlin Candice Ferreira

Through the lens of experiential learning theory, this conceptual paper examines the factors influencing the likelihood of transitioning from hybrid to full-time entrepreneurship

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Abstract

Purpose

Through the lens of experiential learning theory, this conceptual paper examines the factors influencing the likelihood of transitioning from hybrid to full-time entrepreneurship. It is critical to evaluate the experiential learning that takes place during the hybrid phase, in order to establish a more nuanced understanding of the dynamic entrepreneurial journey.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper made use of a secondary data analysis of the existing academic literature, in particular using a thematic analysis, in order to propose a conceptual model and associated propositions.

Findings

The proposed conceptual model identifies four factors: fear of failure, perceived risk, entrepreneurial competency development and self-efficacy that are predicted to influence the transition decision. This paper establishes hybrid entrepreneurship as an effective learning ground and path toward full-time entrepreneurship.

Practical implications

Providing insights into the factors that influence the transition, allows policy makers to establish systems and incubators to support hybrid entrepreneurs reach the tipping point at which they have sufficient knowledge to enter full-time entrepreneurship. This paper establishes the importance of developmental policies aimed at encouraging hybrid entrepreneurship. There are also implications for managers of hybrid entrepreneurs to establish policies that encourage a culture of transparency and reap the benefits of enhanced employee development.

Originality/value

The paper has three predominant sources of value. First, offering a multidisciplinary approach by extending an existing theory to a new context; second, through the establishment of a conceptual model, offering propositions readily linked to hypotheses for future empirical assessment and third, enhancing the visibility of hybrid entrepreneurship in the literature to encourage public policy intervention and support.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 26 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 December 2023

Fanny Adams Quagrainie

Using resource-based theory as a base, this paper aims to analyse the moderating role of entrepreneurial education on the relationship between psychological (perseverance and fear…

Abstract

Purpose

Using resource-based theory as a base, this paper aims to analyse the moderating role of entrepreneurial education on the relationship between psychological (perseverance and fear of failure) and social (family support and role models) factors as they related to entrepreneurial readiness among female youth.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 1914 female youth who have pursued a formal entrepreneurial course was used to understand the relationship and its impact on entrepreneurial readiness. Liner regression technique was used to understand the hypotheses set for the study.

Findings

The results signify a positive impact of perseverance and family support for entrepreneurial readiness, while that of fear of failure was negative, role models were positive but non-significant. Entrepreneurial education was key for enhancing psychological and social factors abilities for female youth entrepreneurial readiness.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional data collected from females in an urban area makes the generalisation of the findings challenging.

Practical implications

Policymakers and academia are to be cognizant of the fact that formal entrepreneurial education is a contributor to entrepreneurial readiness.

Originality/value

This study adds to the paucity of research on entrepreneurial readiness of female youth in developing economies like Ghana with the identification and explanation of its antecedents as well as situating it in both resource-based view and social capital theories.

Details

Journal of Entrepreneurship and Public Policy, vol. 13 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2045-2101

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2015

Manoj Chandra Bayon, Yancy Vaillant and Esteban Lafuente

The purpose of this paper is to examine the direct effect of two individual-level resources, one subjective and the other objective, and their interaction in influencing the…

1669

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the direct effect of two individual-level resources, one subjective and the other objective, and their interaction in influencing the business entry decision. By distinguishing perceived ability from actual ability and using theoretical underpinnings from the human capital theory and self-efficacy theory, the proposed hypotheses are tested on a data set comprising respondents from the adult population.

Design/methodology/approach

Using 20,046 observations from the adult population survey (APS) collected according to the global entrepreneurship monitor (GEM) methodology, a logistic regression analysis controlling for robust interaction term is used to determine the direct and interaction effect of perceived entrepreneurial ability and actual ability in influencing the decision to initiate nascent entrepreneurial activities.

Findings

The results reveal that perceived entrepreneurial ability has a distinct positive influence on the decision to initiate entrepreneurial activities and its impact is greater than that of actual abilities. Furthermore, the authors find evidence of a positive interaction effect suggesting that perceived entrepreneurial ability is a key determinant of entrepreneurial initiatives among those with high actual ability.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the study is to highlight the role of subjective judgements of ability in influencing entrepreneurial behaviour. Whereas prior research has found that actual ability influences new venture performance, its influence on new business entry was inconclusive. By including perceived entrepreneurial ability to the model the authors not only establish a link between objective (observable) abilities and subjective (unobservable) abilities of individuals but also suggest the mechanism through which subjective ability perception drive the business entry decisions of individuals.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 November 2022

Yongqiu Wu, Gideon Maas, Yi Zhang, Fengwen Chen, Senmao Xia, Kiran Fernandes and Kun Tian

Previous experience is a critical factor affecting entrepreneurial activities; however, it has not been fully studied in the existing literature. This study attempts to…

Abstract

Purpose

Previous experience is a critical factor affecting entrepreneurial activities; however, it has not been fully studied in the existing literature. This study attempts to comprehensively reveal the routes and mechanisms of occupational experience that affect entrepreneurial activities and assess the entrepreneurial potential of different occupational practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

By matching occupational characteristics with entrepreneurs' competence, this study proposes ten hypotheses about how occupational experience affects entrepreneurial entry and performance. This empirical study is based on the Occupational Information Network database and Chinese survey data. Factor and regression analyses were used in the empirical research.

Findings

This study verifies that different occupational practitioners have varied entrepreneurial potential. Occupational experience, including occupational uncertainty, market contact and social capital, gained from previous experience significantly affects entrepreneurial entry. Meanwhile, occupational characteristics, including management experience, marketing experience, social capital, financial capital, risk-taking ability and creativity, accumulated from previous experience, have a significant impact on entrepreneurial performance.

Originality/value

This study is a pioneering attempt to reveal the relationship between occupational experience and entrepreneurial activities. The transmission mechanism of previous experiences affecting entrepreneurial activities is comprehensively revealed by relaxing the assumption of a representative occupation. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for empirical evidence and have important practical value.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 29 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

1 – 10 of 33