Abstract:
Habitual entrepreneurs, characterized by their recurring venture creation, represent
a significant segment of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. While their prevalence in
developed economies is well-documented, research addressing the motivating factors
in developing contexts like India remains sparse. This study decodes the motivators
driving habitual entrepreneurs in India through a nuanced exploration of 12
identified factors, including family background, education, and entrepreneurial
experience. Leveraging Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and MICMAC
analysis, the study organizes these factors into a hierarchical framework,
highlighting their interdependencies. Findings reveal that independent motivators,
such as family background and education, serve as foundational drivers, providing
essential resources and fostering entrepreneurial behavior. Risk-taking propensity
and entrepreneurial expectations emerge as highly dependent variables, influenced
by other motivators like entrepreneurial experience and cognitive skills. Notably,
linking variables, including emotional intelligence and self-efficacy, act as critical
intermediaries, reinforcing the dynamic interplay between independent and
dependent factors. The absence of autonomous motivators underscores the intricate
interconnections shaping entrepreneurial behavior. Practical implications advocate
for policies that integrate entrepreneurship education early and support networks
2 | Sixteenth Biennial Conference on Entrepreneurship
emphasizing risk mitigation. By employing a mixed-method approach, this study
provides a comprehensive understanding of the Indian entrepreneurial landscape,
contributing to the global discourse on habitual entrepreneurship and offering a
robust foundation for future research.