Generation X and Y : a comparative analysis of entrepreneurial intent

Abstract

Entrepreneurs are seen to play a vital role in the growth of an economy, particularly in an emerging market such as South Africa. To date, there has been a limited amount of research concerning the drivers, influences and factors that predispose an individual towards entrepreneurial intent within the South African context. Equally so, there is little research on generational theory and how this relates to entrepreneurial activity as a whole. This study focuses on comparing the X and Y generational cohorts in terms of their propensity towards entrepreneurial intent within the context of South Africa. Research was conducted following an in depth literature review which focused on the concept of entrepreneurship and its effect on the economy, generational theory and the interaction and influence of generational cohort theory on the drivers of entrepreneurial intent. The data gathered through the course of the literature review was utilised as a theoretical foundation on which to build propositions of entrepreneurial intent and from which a quantitative survey instrument was developed. The quantitative survey was open to any South African individual who falls within the X or Y generational cohort as defined in this study.Key findings include similarities and differences between the X and Y generational cohort individuals in terms of the following aspects: education and entrepreneurial training; exposure to technology; problem solving; leadership orientation; visionary perspective; the influence of family and organisational support networks; creativity and innovation, attitude towards risk-taking and self-confidence. It is hoped that the findings contribute to the existing literature on entrepreneurial intent and in particular to that within the South African context of the X and Y generational cohorts. Copyright