Understanding the motivations and lived experiences of hybrid entrepreneurs in a resource-constrained context

Abstract

Hybrid entrepreneurship is society's response to employees wanting to live out their passions whilst leaning on the stability that comes with working full-time. With hybrid entrepreneurship comes the question of motivation as hybrid entrepreneurs are motivated by both monetary and non-monetary benefits. The consistent motivational undertone for partaking in entrepreneurial activities is the ability to make supplementary income whilst doing something of meaning. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear to employees that even the safety of their jobs could be threatened due to the economic inactivity which was a direct consequence of the world shutting down and gradually slowing down. It is no surprise that the new world of work has been introduced to hybrid entrepreneurs who play a huge role in driving economic development and job creation. The research set out to understand the motivations and unique set of challenges, achievements, and lessons that South African hybrid entrepreneurs have encountered in their journey to add to the body of hybrid entrepreneurship literature. Qualitative research methodology was used to gather primary research data using online semi-structured interviews. An interpretive phenomenological research philosophy framed the research study to ensure that the concepts and connections interpreted from the 16 participants were an accurate depiction of their lived experiences. The research outcome proposed a tentative extension in hybrid entrepreneurship literature due to the depth and breadth brought on by the hybrid entrepreneurial view of empowerment, entry motivators within gender gaps, unique behavioural nuances of hybrid entrepreneurs with multiple side hustles and the impact of one’s ethical background on hybrid entrepreneurial entry and general exploitation of opportunities. The main limitations of the research study were framed by it not focusing on hybrid entrepreneurship from the perspective of their family members and not taking a deep dive into the lived experiences and motivations of hybrid entrepreneurs with multiple side hustles.