Motivation of entrepreneurs in South Africa

Abstract

This study examined a sample of entrepreneurs operating in South Africa. Motivation of entrepreneurs in shopping malls in Gauteng province was investigated. A survey of 50 entrepreneurs in South Africa was conducted face-to-face interviews. Principle component analysis (PCA) identified the most important motivation factors among entrepreneurs in South Africa. Results indicated that family security and extrinsic rewards are the most important motivation factors. “To be closer to my family”, “to maintain my personal freedom” were the highly rated motivation items which were used in the questionnaire. These results were compared with the results of previous studies which examined Nigerian, Ghanaian and Kenyan entrepreneurs as well as entrepreneurs in Turkey, Venezuela, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, and India. This findings of the current study suggested that motivation factors of entrepreneurs in South Africa are different than other African countries which were used in this study as comparison countries. Copyright