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Cited by 1,026Entrepreneurship Studies and InfluencesMigration, Ethnicity, and EconomyVocational and Entrepreneurial Education

The motivation to become an entrepreneur

Open access
Segal, Gerry, Borgia, Dan, Schoenfeld, Jerry·2005·International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research
DOI 10.1108/13552550510580834
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Abstract

Purpose Since the 1950s, organizational psychology research investigating work‐related motivation has progressed from static content models to dynamic process models. Entrepreneurship research has evolved along a similar trajectory, adapting organizational psychology findings to better understand the motivation to become an entrepreneur. This paper reviews motivation research from both fields, explores some of the commonalities among current theories, and presents a new model of entrepreneurial motivation. Design/methodology/approach In an exploratory study, the ability of tolerance for risk, perceived feasibility, and perceived net desirability to predict intentions for self‐employment is examined in a sample of 114 undergraduate business students at Florida Gulf Coast University. Findings Results indicated that tolerance for risk, perceived feasibility and net desirability significantly predicted self‐employment intentions, with an adjusted R 2 of 0.528. Research limitations/implications Because the sample consisted entirely of undergraduate business students, findings may not be generalizable to non‐student populations. This research did not examine the role of negative motivations, or “push” factors. The cross‐sectional rather than longitudinal design of the study raises the usual caveats regarding lack of causal evidence. Finally, a limitation of any survey research is the inability to ask follow‐up questions and explore in more depth the reasoning behind any finding. Future research including qualitative interviews and/or focus group sessions could therefore provide rich explanatory information that could add value to the survey data. Practical implications As a result of this research, educators, government officials, and others interested in stimulating entrepreneurial motivation should consider how their words and actions affect potential entrepreneurs’ perceptions of entrepreneurial feasibility and net desirability. Originality/value Although the model is original and unique, it is based on established theories and models. It provides a well‐supported explanation of the motivation to become an entrepreneur that will be useful to potential entrepreneurs and those who encourage and guide them.

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  • Entrepreneurial self-efficacy has been consistently shown to be a positive influence on an individual's intentions to become involved in entrepreneurship.

    “Entrepreneurial self-efficacy has thus indeed been consistently shown to be a positive influence on an individual's intentions to become involved in entrepreneurship (e.g., Chen etal., 1998; Segal etal., 2005; Zhao etal., 2005; Cassar and Friedman, 2009).”

    From Impact of Entrepreneurship Training on Entrepreneurial Efficacy and Alertness among Adolescent Youth (2018) · cites this paper as Segal et al., 2005

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Authors
Segal, G., Borgia, D., & Schoenfeld, J.
Affiliations
Florida Gulf Coast University (US)
Venue
International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research
Publisher
Emerald
Published
2005-02-01
Volume
11
Issue
1
Pages
42-57
ISSN
1355-2554 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1108/13552550510580834
OpenAlex
W2032673140
Cited by
1,026
References
46
Citations by year
2026: 20 · 2025: 30 · 2024: 58 · 2023: 73 · 2022: 78 · 2021: 94 · 2020: 81 · 2019: 86 · 2018: 61 · 2017: 71 · 2016: 51 · 2015: 62 · 2014: 53 · 2013: 48 · 2012: 40
FWCI
20.38
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
www.emerald.com/insight/site-policies (tdm)
Locations
  • International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research (publishedVersion)
  • SSRN Electronic Journal (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Management of Technology and Innovation › Entrepreneurship Studies and Influences
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Migration, Ethnicity, and Economy
  • Social Sciences › Education › Vocational and Entrepreneurial Education
Keywords
entrepreneurial motivation, self-employment intention, risk tolerance, perceived feasibility, undergraduate business students, push and pull factors

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