The layered motivations of rural carpenters who launch entrepreneurial ventures

Purpose This study provides valuable insights aimed at improving the understanding of the entrepreneurial motivation within rural artisanal clusters in emerging economies. Design/methodology/approach Primary data were collected from 126 rural carpentry entrepreneurs in the Baktawng cluster using a closed-ended questionnaire. The questionnaire gathered information on business characteristics and the motivations for starting a business. A systematic review of the literature helped identify contextually relevant motivating factors. Respondents rated their level of agreement with various motivational statements using a five-point Likert scale. The collected data were analysed using simple percentages, factor analysis and summated rankings, with results connected to existing research on entrepreneurial motivation. Findings The respondents largely agreed that economic factors are the primary drivers behind their decision to pursue entrepreneurship. The two most significant motivations identified were the need to earn a livelihood and the desire to increase income. Research limitations/implications The identified motivational factors (intrinsic, ambition, economic and compulsion) and their complex interactions provide a generalizable framework for understanding microenterprise creation in rural, resource-constrained settings across emerging economies. Originality/value By examining both the business characteristics and the underlying motivations, this research offers valuable insights for developing comprehensive support strategies for artisanal units in remote areas.