Understanding the entrepreneurial mindset: how key motivational factors can impact an individual’s behavioural dimensions in decision making through a South African context

Abstract

The concept of entrepreneurship is regarded as significant driver for economic growth; however, within the entrepreneurial mindset, it was determined that the behavioural dimensions of decision-making, risk-taking and adaptability are under-researched. This study aimed to address this gap by examining how intrinsic and extrinsic motivation shape these behavioural mechanisms, to understand how behaviour is influenced among first-generation South African entrepreneurs. The Self-Determination Theory was used as an explanatory lens to examine how the psychological needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness influence the entrepreneurial mindset and motivation through the different behaviour dimensions. Through an exploratory qualitative research design, the study conducted semi-structured interviews and thematic narrative analysis with Gauteng-based entrepreneurs. The findings revealed that motivation is a progressive force of internalisation, through which intention is transformed into sustained action. The study determined that the psychological needs operate interdependently, influencing motivation by either strengthening or weakening it, depending on the entrepreneur's contextual conditions. The study contributes theoretically by positioning the Self-Determined Theory as an integrated behavioural framework, which demonstrates how motivation is influenced and transformed into action. The study also provided practical insights into strategies to encourage the strengthening of an entrepreneur’s motivation over time.