An Investigation of Entrepreneurial Motivation: Boutique Hotels in Northern Thailand

Abstract

Purpose – entrepreneurship scholars have argued extensively that the phenomenon of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial motivation cannot be studied in isolation from their broader socioeconomic environment. This study addresses this gap by examining the entrepreneurial motivation of hotel entrepreneurs in Northern Thailand. The study also investigates how various mediating factors and motivations to start a business shape tourism entrepreneurs' behaviour in relation to growth strategies. Design/ Methodology/ Approach – qualitative research was conducted in Northern Thailand 2012 and the follow-up study in 2019. Purposive and snowball sampling strategies were used. The primary data collection method was semi-structured interviews. Findings – the study identifies the coexistence of both lifestyle and growth-oriented entrepreneurs. The results show that the entrepreneurial decision to enter the hotel industry was not solely determined by the entrepreneur's own actions, but significantly by the family. The role of family in business creation is directive and not facilitative. Business growth was a desirable strategy for both lifestyle and growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Originality of the research – study shows that entrepreneurial motivation cannot be properly understood if it is studied in isolation from the wider socio-economic context. Moreover, it challenges the prevailing classification of tourism entrepreneurs into lifestyle-oriented and growthoriented.

Motivación de emprendimiento turístico: panorámica basada en el análisis bibliométrico de la investigación empírica

“…En los últimos 5 años se consolidaron temas tratados anteriormente y se incluyeron otros que relacionan la motivación con la familia (Bujan, 2020;Chernbumroong et al, 2021;Zhang et al, 2021), el emprendimiento sostenible (Mohamad & Nasir, 2019), el emprendimiento informal (Alrawadieh, 2018) y el cambio en la MET (Wang et al, 2019;Zhang et al, 2021).…”

“…El contraste de las referencias más citadas, las palabras clave, análisis de citas, árbol de la ciencia y los demás hallazgos, permitieron identificar siete áreas de investigación relacionadas con la investigación en MET. La primera reúne artículos enfocados en motivaciones de estilo de vida, calidad de vida y orientación empresarial, donde contrastan este tipo de motivaciones o se analizan de manera independiente (Alrawadieh, 2018;Ateljevic & Doorne, 2000;Bensemann & Hall, 2010;Carlsen et al, 2008;Chernbumroong et al, 2021;Dawson et al, 2011;Hall, 2004;Komppula, 2004;Marchant & Mottiar, 2011;Morrison & Teixeira, 2004;Shaw & Williams, 2004;Wang et al, 2018;Zhang et al, 2021).…”

“…En la tercera área, los artículos estudian el emprendimiento turístico, factores del entorno y el destino, que pueden influir en las MET y motivaciones relacionadas con asuntos empresariales como diversificación y crecimiento empresarial, (Beeka & Rimmington, 2011;Chen & Elston, 2013;Chernbumroong et al, 2021;Dieguez-Castrillon et al, 2012;Hall, 2004;Lerner & Haber, 2001;Leu, 2019;Li, 2008;McGehee et al, 2007;Morrison, 2001;Morrison & Teixeira, 2004;Wang et al, 2019).…”