Entrepreneurial motivation and growth orientation among micro-entrepreneurs in Southern Finland

Despite their importance for the economy, micro-enterprises remain under-researched. We also know little about entrepreneurial motivations in the growth phase of enterprises. Therefore, to increase our understanding of the motivations of micro-entrepreneurs who expect to grow their businesses, a qualitative case study followed 27 micro-entrepreneurs in Southern Finland. Drawing on expectancy theory, the study builds and applies a theoretical model of the six dimensions identified for the entrepreneurial motivation of growth-oriented micro-entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the study implies that the level of growth expectation and the entrepreneurial characteristics of gender, education level and entrepreneurial experience are combined with the drivers of motivation and further with performance. In conclusion, we describe a novel growth-oriented micro- entrepreneurial motivation profile. The findings offer valuable insights for regional actors for identifying and supporting micro-enterprises with growth potential. Further scholarship is recommended to test the theoretical model and explore differences in terms of growth expectations.