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Motivations: The Entrepreneurial Mind and Behavior

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Understanding the Entrepreneurial Mind

Part of the book series: International Studies in Entrepreneurship ((ISEN,volume 24))

Abstract

In this chapter various theories and approaches to motivational research are reviewed and applied to the study of the entrepreneur. These are discussed with respect to both necessity and opportunistic entrepreneurship. Various models that integrate internal and external motivation are explored and the concept of risk is examined as a form of motivation. The role of goals and goal setting is also discussed in the motivational framework and is tied to intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. In addition, work and life satisfaction are reviewed as they impact entrepreneurial motivation with specific attention paid to career motivation. Finally, achievement motivation is discussed, not only in terms of a unidimensional model, but also in terms of a multi-dimensional model to predict the performance of firms using the motivation characteristics of the entrepreneur.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Throughout this chapter the authors have chosen to use the pronoun he when referring to an individual, but this has been only for ease or reading and in no way implies that women cannot be entrepreneurs

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Loretta Rogers Chair in Entrepreneurship, Ted Rogers School of Management, Ryerson University, M5B 2K3, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Alan Carsrud

  2. Department of Business Studies, Åbo Akademi University, Henriksgatan 7, FIN-20500, Turku, Finland

    Malin Brännback

  3. Rödsövägen 149, FIN-67400, Karleby, Finland

    Jennie Elfving

  4. 9363 Fontainebleau Blvd Apt. H-107 Miami, 33172, FL, USA

    Kristie Brandt

Authors
  1. Alan Carsrud
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  2. Malin Brännback
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  3. Jennie Elfving
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  4. Kristie Brandt
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alan Carsrud .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Global Entrepreneurship Center, Florida International University, SW., 8th Street 11200, Miami, 33199, U.S.A.

    Alan L. Carsrud

  2. Dept. Business Administration, Swedish University Abo, Henriksgatan 7, Turku, 20500, Finland

    Malin Brännback

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Carsrud, A., Brännback, M., Elfving, J., Brandt, K. (2009). Motivations: The Entrepreneurial Mind and Behavior. In: Carsrud, A., Brännback, M. (eds) Understanding the Entrepreneurial Mind. International Studies in Entrepreneurship, vol 24. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0443-0_7

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