The role of entrepreneurial support structures on hybrid entrepreneurial activity

Abstract

Hybrid entrepreneurship, a phenomenon where individuals are involved in entrepreneurial activities while holding salaried employment, is a growing field of study which has received some scholarly attention in recent years. Due to the sparseness of academic literature in this domain, this study delves into the realm of hybrid entrepreneurship in the context of South Africa, seeking to shed light on the critical role played by employers and entrepreneurial support structures in cultivating this innovative form of economic activity. As the gig economy surges and digital innovation reshapes the business landscape, hybrid entrepreneurship stands as a beacon of hope in a nation grappling with economic struggles and high unemployment rates. Given that hybrid entrepreneurship is a nascent field, an inductive qualitative research methodology was adopted to execute the research objective of this study. The study found that employer support plays a crucial role in cultivating hybrid entrepreneurial activity. The study further unveiled barriers inhibiting employer support which provides a segue for practical implications to organisational policies. In addition, the study found that government support, both financial and non-financial support, plays a critical role in cultivating hybrid entrepreneurial activity, albeit hampered by a host of challenges resulting in inefficiencies and reduced impact.