Starting up in business An examination of the decision-making process

This paper is based on interviews with 58 micro-business owner-managers. It examines the factors influencing their decision to start up in business and classifies them as either 'dissatisfiers' or 'motivators'. The research found that uncertainty in the decision-making process arises because the motivation to become self-employed is often based on beliefs rather than actual experience. This is important because uncertainty increases the perceived level of risk attached to self-employment as a career option. If self-employment is to be promoted, policy makers need to encourage more rational decision making and to provide programmes that actually involve the experience of running a small business.