Entrepreneurial Motivations and Competences Across Generations

Abstract

In my research I investigate entrepreneurial motivations with a focus on motivations to start a business and entrepreneurial competences, using a questionnaire. Nowadays, it is becoming increasingly popular to start one's own business, be it a sole proprietorship or a business partnership. As a result, there is a significant proportion of entrepreneurs in the labour market, including not only Generation X and Y but also Generation Z. Entrepreneurs from three generations, with a wealth of great ideas and innovations, resulting in a wide variety of products and services. What could be the driving force that makes people choose this way of life? Is it self-fulfilment? The desire for independence? Is it a desire to unleash their creativity? What is the secret of successful entrepreneurs? Were they born under a lucky star or is it their personality and skills that hold the key?

One of the central areas of my research is the motivations for starting a business. I have also paid attention to the importance of entrepreneurial competences and self-assessment, which reveals which competences emerge as strengths and which need to be developed in the future for the entrepreneurs in the research. I will also examine the differences and similarities between generations in terms of motivations for starting a business and entrepreneurial competences.