Frontiers of Entrepreneurship Research 1997 Edition Return to 1997 Topical Index Order hard copy editions of Frontiers of  Entrepreneurship Research by mail

INTRODUCTION
MOTIVATION AND VENTURE SUCCESS
METHODOLOGY
FINDINGS    

Motivation
TABLE 1:  Validity of Push / Pull Classification of Previously Utilized Motivational Influences (Entrepreneur's identification of influences is a total of first, second and third priorities listings.)
TABLE 2:  Frequency of  Motivational Influence Pairings  (n=291)
TABLE 3:  Comparison of Primary Motivational Influences
Success
TABLE 4:  Regression Results
TABLE 5:  Correlation Of Performance Measures
TABLE 6:  Effects Of Motivation On Success

CONCLUSIONS
REFERENCES

ABSTRACT

Interviews with Hungarian entrepreneurs suggested that the motivation for initiating a venture was irrelevant to the subsequent success of the venture, contradicting implications garnered from previous research.  An exploratory study (Solymossy, 1996) provided initial support for the reliability of the push / pull classification model, however, suggested the absence of a significant relationship between venture initiation motivation and three measures of  venture performance.  This study, utilizing 341 respondents, is undertaken to  permit more rigorous testing of the relationship between venture initiation motivation and venture success.  Regression analysis utilizing four measures of venture success, while exhibiting significant Anovas, lacks explanatory power.  A linear relationship between motivational orientation and success is therefore deemed to be inconsequential.  Further analysis is conducted with  MANOVA to explore differences between the two motivationally oriented groups, yielding significant differences in levels of general satisfaction, network utilization, levels of technology and confidence.  Future research using an expanded operationalization for venture success, and measuring other differentiable aspects of entrepreneurship is suggested.
 

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