Article: Entrepreneurial motives in Greek rural areas: 'opportunity' or 'necessity'? Journal: International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business (IJESB) 2023 Vol.50 No.1 pp.94 - 112 Abstract: Entrepreneurship is vital in the development and sustainability of rural areas. This research examines the motives for entrepreneurship in rural areas in Greece and delves further into the form of entrepreneurship based on the motives prevailing in these areas. The data collection was conducted through personal interviews totalling 240 questionnaires, disseminated among entrepreneurs. Understanding business motives may provide valuable information for policymakers to facilitate or develop a favourable business environment in rural areas. Equally important is the identification of entrepreneurship (opportunity or out of necessity), as it can shape the socio-economic development of the rural communities in which the businesses are located. The search for motives for start-up business activity, especially in rural areas, is important, as it demonstrates the extent to which activities are real business efforts based on an internal need, or recognition of an opportunity, or a response to adverse economic circumstances, including unemployment. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Entrepreneurial motives in Greek rural areas: 'opportunity' or 'necessity'?

Authors: Charisia Vlachou; Olga Iakovidou; Panagiota Sergaki; George Menexes

Addresses: Faculty of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece ' Faculty of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece ' Faculty of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece ' Faculty of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece

Abstract: Entrepreneurship is vital in the development and sustainability of rural areas. This research examines the motives for entrepreneurship in rural areas in Greece and delves further into the form of entrepreneurship based on the motives prevailing in these areas. The data collection was conducted through personal interviews totalling 240 questionnaires, disseminated among entrepreneurs. Understanding business motives may provide valuable information for policymakers to facilitate or develop a favourable business environment in rural areas. Equally important is the identification of entrepreneurship (opportunity or out of necessity), as it can shape the socio-economic development of the rural communities in which the businesses are located. The search for motives for start-up business activity, especially in rural areas, is important, as it demonstrates the extent to which activities are real business efforts based on an internal need, or recognition of an opportunity, or a response to adverse economic circumstances, including unemployment.

Keywords: entrepreneurial motives; 'necessity-opportunity' entrepreneurship; rural areas; 'push-pull' theory.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2023.133483

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2023 Vol.50 No.1, pp.94 - 112

Received: 19 Jun 2020
Accepted: 19 Jun 2020
Published online: 18 Sep 2023 *

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Title: Entrepreneurial motives in Greek rural areas: 'opportunity' or 'necessity'?

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