An investigation of entrepreneurial driving forces and motivators

Abstract

This study takes a look at entrepreneurial drivers and motivators for entrepreneurship and if the changing climate of business and the economy allows for new drivers and motivators to come forward. The study will determine if the current driving forces and motivators for entrepreneurship through the change economy and environment will change and if so try, and establish the degree of change. The literature review looks at the theoretical information regarding entrepreneurship, who the entrepreneur is, defining entrepreneurship together with the skills required for entrepreneurship, the characteristics of an entrepreneur, entrepreneurial drivers and motivators and the entrepreneurial risk associated with entrepreneurship. This qualitative study then interviewed a total number of 8 entrepreneurs which is situated in Gauteng South Africa whose business is three years and older to see if their drivers and motivators had changed, remained the same and what role technology had played in their respective businesses. The empirical evidence showed that the drivers and motivators for entrepreneurship had stayed the same. The core of the business has stayed the same, but the role of technology as an influencer in how business was conducted was vast and undeniable. Technology is used to speed things up in businesses and assists in making the business decision making and environment easier. Technology is seen as an internal influencer on the business. This study finds that entrepreneurs require a lot of skills which can be learned and taught when required by the entrepreneurs to move their businesses forward. Entrepreneurial characteristics are what the entrepreneur has, something that can be enhanced but not taught, the entrepreneur has character and certain characteristics. Entrepreneurs also define success in their ability to help other people live a better live rather than chasing wealth. According to the entrepreneurs, their view of risk is different than for someone working at a typical job. According to the entrepreneurs the typical definition of a stable job is actually more risky due to the economic climate of uncertainty and retrenchments