The secrets to successful entrepreneurship: How occupational experience shapes the creation and performance of start-ups

Wu, Y; Maas, G; Zhang, Yi; Chen, F; Xia, S; Fernandes, K; Tian, K

Abstract

Purpose Previous experience is a critical factor affecting entrepreneurial activities; however, it has not been fully studied in the existing literature. This study attempts to comprehensively reveal the routes and mechanisms of occupational experience that affect entrepreneurial activities and assess the entrepreneurial potential of different occupational practitioners. Design/methodology/approach By matching occupational characteristics with entrepreneurs' competence, this study proposes ten hypotheses about how occupational experience affects entrepreneurial entry and performance. This empirical study is based on the Occupational Information Network database and Chinese survey data. Factor and regression analyses were used in the empirical research. Findings This study verifies that different occupational practitioners have varied entrepreneurial potential. Occupational experience, including occupational uncertainty, market contact and social capital, gained from previous experience significantly affects entrepreneurial entry. Meanwhile, occupational characteristics, including management experience, marketing experience, social capital, financial capital, risk-taking ability and creativity, accumulated from previous experience, have a significant impact on entrepreneurial performance. Originality/value This study is a pioneering attempt to reveal the relationship between occupational experience and entrepreneurial activities. The transmission mechanism of previous experiences affecting entrepreneurial activities is comprehensively revealed by relaxing the assumption of a representative occupation. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for empirical evidence and have important practical value.

Citation

Wu, Y., Maas, G., Zhang, Y., Chen, F., Xia, S., Fernandes, K., & Tian, K. (2023). The secrets to successful entrepreneurship: How occupational experience shapes the creation and performance of start-ups. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 29(2), 354-384. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijebr-09-2021-0748

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 17, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Nov 24, 2022
• Publication Date: Feb 9, 2023
• Deposit Date: Sep 18, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 20, 2022
• Journal: International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research
• Print ISSN: 1355-2554
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 29
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 354-384
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ijebr-09-2021-0748
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1191525