Decoding the Motivators of Habitual Entrepreneurs in India

Abstract

Habitual entrepreneurs, characterized by their recurring venture creation, represent a significant segment of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. While their prevalence in developed economies is well-documented, research addressing the motivating factors in developing contexts like India remains sparse. This study decodes the motivators driving habitual entrepreneurs in India through a nuanced exploration of 12 identified factors, including family background, education, and entrepreneurial experience. Leveraging Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and MICMAC analysis, the study organizes these factors into a hierarchical framework, highlighting their interdependencies. Findings reveal that independent motivators, such as family background and education, serve as foundational drivers, providing essential resources and fostering entrepreneurial behavior. Risk-taking propensity and entrepreneurial expectations emerge as highly dependent variables, influenced by other motivators like entrepreneurial experience and cognitive skills. Notably, linking variables, including emotional intelligence and self-efficacy, act as critical intermediaries, reinforcing the dynamic interplay between independent and dependent factors. The absence of autonomous motivators underscores the intricate interconnections shaping entrepreneurial behavior. Practical implications advocate for policies that integrate entrepreneurship education early and support networks 2 | Sixteenth Biennial Conference on Entrepreneurship emphasizing risk mitigation. By employing a mixed-method approach, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the Indian entrepreneurial landscape, contributing to the global discourse on habitual entrepreneurship and offering a robust foundation for future research.