“Push” versus “pull” entrepreneurship: an ambiguous distinction?

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reassess whether individuals choose to become self‐employed for “pull” or “push” reasons, to discuss and describe ambiguities in this distinction, with focus on differences between men and women, and draw conclusions for further conceptual work.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews current literature, from which specific hypotheses are developed. For illustration and evaluation secondary analysis is undertaken of an existing large‐scale data source available in UK Quarterly Labour Force Surveys over the period 1999‐2001.FindingsIt was found that 86 per cent state only a single reason for self‐employment. Response patterns differ significantly between men and women. Independence is the most commonly cited motivation but 22 per cent of women cite family commitments. “Push” motivations may account for as much as 48 per cent depending on interpretation. Men who report two or more factors tend to combine “pull” factors, but women tend to combine “push” with “pull”.Research limitations/implicationsRespondents may display recall bias. Potential ambiguity in the way in which respondents may interpret particular motivations points to the need for future detailed qualitative research, and questionnaire item development. Further work is recommended to assess whether conclusions hold in recent recessionary economic conditions.Practical implicationsClarity between “push” and “pull” factors is important in the design of entrepreneurship policy, especially during a recession. Further work is needed to provide this clarity to inform policy design.Originality/valueFew previous studies investigate reasons for choosing entrepreneurship using large, population‐generalisable data, and do not consider the conceptual ambiguities inherent in categorising motivations as either “pull” or “push”.

Core entrepreneurial competencies and their interdependencies: insights from a study of Irish and Iranian entrepreneurs, university students and academics

“…At the same time, a focus on these pull factors is important for entrepreneurship educators and policy makers. For example, authors have argued that it is important to promote the acquisition of "enterprise" skills and, more specifically, support venture start-up activity through human, physical and working capital provision (Dawson and Henley, 2012). The challenge in educational settings is how these pull factors might be allowed to flourish and grow in the context of knowledge and skill development coupled with more experiential learning.…”

The Relationship Between Marketing Promotion of Historical Tourism and Tourist Motivation of Domestic Tourists: Case Study of KohYoh, Songkhla Province, Thailand

“…However, motivation is conceptually described as "a state of need, a condition that serves as a driving force to display different kinds of behavior toward certain types of activities, developing preferences, arriving at some expected satisfactory outcome" (K. F. Backman, S. J. Backman, Uysal, & Sunshine, 1995). Dawson and Henley (2012) argued that the concept of product bundles is used to refer to the perceived importance of the interaction between push and pull items of motivations. Klenosky (2002) viewed push factors as being associated with "whether to go", while pull factors are related to "where to go" decided at two separate points in time.…”

“…Backman, Uysal, & Sunshine, 1995). Dawson and Henley (2012) argued that the concept of product bundles is used to refer to the perceived importance of the interaction between push and pull items of motivations. Klenosky (2002) viewed push factors as being associated with "whether to go", while pull factors are related to "where to go" decided at two separate points in time.…”

Identifikasi Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Sukses Wirausaha

“…Terkait ini, Rauch dan Frese, (2000) menegaskan bahwa sukses faktor wirausaha dapat diidentifikasi melalui 5 faktor yaitu lingkungan, kepribadian, tujuan, human capital dan strategi. Meski demikian, temuan sejumlah peneliti menegaskan ada banyak faktor yang mempengaruhi sukses wirausahawan (Forson, 2013;Kumar, 2013;Kwong, et al, 2012;Dawson dan Henley, 2012;Pines, et al, 2010). Fakta ini kemudian menjadi argumen bagi Simpeh (2011) untuk menyebut bahwa perkembangan dari kewirausahaan tersebut mempengaruhi konsep dan teoritis dari kewirausahaan itu sendiri.…”

“…Identifikasi dari kedua faktor diatas maka sukses faktor wirausaha wanita secara tidak langsung dipengaruhi oleh motivasi, baik dalam bentuk motivasi internal ataupun eksternal (Aramand, 2013;Forson, 2013;Dawson dan Henley, 2012;Canizares dan Garcıa, 2010). Artinya untuk faktor yang pertama terkait dengan motivasi trial and error dengan mengacu aspek internal dan eksternalnya, sedangkan untuk faktor kedua terkait dengan motivasi untuk survive yang lebih disebabkan karena faktor marginal, misalnya karena kondisinya sebagai pendatang atau kelompok minoritas.…”