Purpose-driven entrepreneurship : when business venturing makes a difference.

There has been a global rise in purpose-driven entrepreneurship in recent years, as evidenced by individuals entering and persisting in business venturing aspiring to make a difference in the world. While seeking purpose beyond profits is expected among social entrepreneurs, should we also expect the owners of for-profit commercial business ventures who have historically been portrayed as self-oriented to also aspire to make a difference in the world? This dissertation explores this "purpose-driven" phenomenon among commercial entrepreneurs by examining the influence of aspirations to make a difference in the world on decision-making in their ventures. Through an inductive qualitative research approach, this dissertation demonstrates that purpose-driven aspirations can play a significant role in shaping the venture decisions of commercial entrepreneurs and introduces a theory of entrepreneurial purpose. The dissertation reveals three primary pathways by which commercial entrepreneurs fulfill purpose-driven aspirations in business venturing and a typology of five distinct purpose-seeking profiles of commercial entrepreneurs.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Dwyer, Sean M., 1989-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Artz, Kendall.

• Entrepreneurship.
• Purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
• Purpose.
• Entrepreneurial decision-making.
• Entrepreneurial well-being.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/12971

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/12971