Holistic configural models for sustainable entrepreneurs

Abstract

PurposeThis research explores causal combinations (personal traits, external factors and self-fulfillment) that could provide holistic views leading to sustainable start-ups via data collected from Taiwanese entrepreneurs.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employ five-point Likert scale measurements in the questionnaires and fuzzy-set/Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) for the investigation.FindingsThe study finds four types of sustainable entrepreneurs. Conservative resilient entrepreneurs have an absence of both openness and neuroticism. Conservative achieving entrepreneurs have an absence of openness and the presence of conscientiousness. Conservative-hired entrepreneurs have an absence of both openness and unemployment. Lastly, conservative opportunistic entrepreneurs exhibit an absence of openness and the presence of business opportunity.Originality/valueThe results add to the authors’ knowledge and understanding of the entrepreneurship literature and also offer implications for people who are interested in entrepreneurship as well as to policymakers wanting to promote new start-ups.

Hidden stories and the dark side of entrepreneurial commitment

“…These profiles demonstrate that overinvestment is driven by a complex combination of commitment forms among nascent entrepreneurs, with affective commitment standing as a necessary condition of overinvestment. From a methodological point of view, the study further confirms the suitability and promise of non-linear (asymmetric) research in entrepreneurship to advance the understanding of complex issues that may have a multiplicity of explanations (Capatina et al, 2023;Huarng and Yu, 2022;Santos et al, 2021). The study suggests that when high levels of complexity appear (i.e.…”

“…From a methodological point of view, the study further confirms the suitability and promise of non-linear (asymmetric) research in entrepreneurship to advance the understanding of complex issues that may have a multiplicity of explanations (Capatina et al. , 2023; Huarng and Yu, 2022; Santos et al. , 2021).…”

“…Breugst et al, 2012;Tasnim and Singh, 2016), recent studies point to configurational approaches that complement traditional linear data analysis to provide "richer explanations of entrepreneurial decision-making" (e.g. Baroncelli et al, 2023, p. 14;Huarng and Yu, 2022;Santos et al, 2021). The current study builds on this emerging literature to explain the heterogeneity and complexity via a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) associated with entrepreneurial commitment and its detrimental consequences for entrepreneurs (Naimi et al, 2022).…”

“…While a rich amount of literature already exists on IJEBR 30,6 the dark side of commitment, this study provides novelty by highlighting under what conditions what form of commitment has detrimental consequences. This is a vital implication as it helps future entrepreneurship researchers distinguish the multiplicity of commitment (Huarng and Yu, 2022;Marzi et al, 2023). Third, the finding that instrumental commitment is not sufficient by itself to drive overinvestment implies that those who are committed but mainly instrumentally driven are less exposed to overinvestment.…”

“…While a rich amount of literature already exists on the dark side of commitment, this study provides novelty by highlighting under what conditions what form of commitment has detrimental consequences. This is a vital implication as it helps future entrepreneurship researchers distinguish the multiplicity of commitment (Huarng and Yu, 2022; Marzi et al. , 2023).…”