| Keywords [eng] |
Senior, gray, old, mature, people, entrepreneur, businessman, motives, challenges, push factor, pull factor, intention, barriers, run business, start business, create business, phenomenology study. |
| Abstract [eng] |
The Master thesis examines the concept of senior entrepreneurship and delves into the motives and challenges faced by older individuals when starting their own businesses. With the aim of contributing to the existing literature on this topic, the thesis employs a mixed-methods approach to gather and analyze data. The theoretical background section provides a comprehensive overview of entrepreneurship and its historical evolution. It explores the understanding of senior entrepreneurship, the relationship between age and entrepreneurship, and the main motives of senior entrepreneurs. These motives are further discussed, including the push/pull approach, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. The concept of subjective age and its influence on entrepreneurial intention among seniors is also explored. The research employed qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews, to gather data from 40 participants, consisting of 20 individuals from each country. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis, supported by MAXQDA software for coding and visualization. The findings revealed that personal fulfillment, financial independence, and a desire for continued engagement were primary motives for senior entrepreneurship. Common challenges faced by senior entrepreneurs included limited access to resources, age-related biases, and technological barriers. A comparative analysis between Azerbaijan and Turkey highlighted similarities and differences in the motives and obstacles faced by senior entrepreneurs, influenced by cultural and socio-economic factors. The research outcomes contribute to the understanding of senior entrepreneurship and its significance for individuals, societies, and economies. The main conclusions emphasize the need to recognize and support the entrepreneurial endeavors of older individuals, taking into account their motives and addressing the challenges they encounter. The thesis advocates for policies and programs that foster an enabling environment for senior entrepreneurs, providing them with resources, mentorship, and opportunities for growth. In conclusion, the Master thesis provides a comprehensive examination of senior entrepreneurship, exploring motives, challenges, and potential sectors of influence. It underscores the importance of recognizing and supporting older entrepreneurs, and offers insights for policymakers and practitioners. The research contributes to the existing knowledge in this field and paves the way for further exploration and investigation. |
