The research presented in this dissertation was aimed at investigating the consequences of reward-oriented motivation (i.e., an inclination to strongly focus the entrepreneurship on pursuing... Show moreThe research presented in this dissertation was aimed at investigating the consequences of reward-oriented motivation (i.e., an inclination to strongly focus the entrepreneurship on pursuing rewards) and security-oriented motivation (i.e., an inclination to strongly focus the entrepreneurship on ensuring one’s survival and security) for business growth motivation among small-business owners. In addition, the research was aimed to examine the process through which reward-oriented motivation and security-oriented motivation relate to business growth motivation among small-business owners. The findings generally showed that relative to security-oriented motivation, reward-oriented motivation is positively predictive of business growth motivation among small business owners in a consistent manner. Furthermore, time perspective in the context of entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial-self-esteem, and perceived competence were found to be important variables in explaining the relationship between reward and security-oriented motivation and business growth motivation among small business owners. The findings in this dissertation highlight the importance of taking into account small business owners' motivation of engagement in entrepreneurship in efforts to assist small business owners to grow their businesses. Show less
