Motivational Orientation of Assamese Entrepreneurs in the SME Sector

Abstract

This article presents the findings of a study on entrepreneurial motivation based on a sample of 243 first-generation entrepreneurs in Assam in North-East India. The results clearly showed that the entrepreneurs were primarily motivated by the need for economic achievement, personal growth, autonomy and recognition. The desire to contribute to the community was not found to be an important reason to become an entrepreneur. No significant difference was found in the motivations of men and women entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurial motivation also changed in the light of entrepreneurial experience. The most interesting finding was dramatic changes in autonomy and power motives moving down from third rank to the last (sixth) rank pursuant to entrepreneurial experience over time, implying a change in the role of entrepreneurs from doers to implementers as their enterprises grew.