Different ways of being generative. Exploring the motivational structure underlying generativity in life stories of entrepreneurial leaders

The integration of agentic and communal motivations, along with the resultant potential to be generative, constitutes not merely a suggestion for present-day business actors, but a duty. Through such integration, these actors are able not only to enhance the profitability of their businesses, but also to advance the welfare of their workforce and contribute to the improvement of society. The present studies aim to demonstrate that individuals in different occupations can have a different motivational composition behind their generative aspirations. We examined this using mixed methods among three groups: entrepreneur leaders, teachers, and control groups. We used the Loyola Generativity Scale (N = 117) and life story interviews (N = 90), in which we coded themes of agency and communion, and also included the economic indicators of the companies in an exploratory manner. The control group exhibits the lowest level of generativity, whereas both teachers and entrepreneurs demonstrate higher levels of generativity. Moreover, the life narratives of teachers primarily encompass communal themes, whereas the narratives of entrepreneurial leaders focus predominantly on agentic topics. However, both groups were equally adept at integrating the two motivational aspects. The findings offer empirical support for the notion that generativity may be organized based on varying motivations. Both agentic and communal motivations may indicate elevated aspirations for generativity. • Life stories are the main representation of generative motivations. • Entrepreneurial leaders are characterised by a high level of agentic motivation. • It is important for leaders to be able to combine productive and caring attitudes, agentic and communal motivations. • A high level of communal motive signs the inclusion of family members into the firm.