Configurations of creativity and planned behaviour factors associated with nascent entrepreneurship

Purpose This study aims to explore the complex combinations of factors associated with nascent entrepreneurship. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a sample of 1,314 individuals from five Nigerian universities. A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis approach is used to analyse the data. Findings Nascent entrepreneurship is associated with three sufficient configurations. Entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) appears in all three configurations, while creativity appears in two alternative pathways when combined with either favourable attitudes or supportive subjective norms. A third pathway combines ESE, favourable attitudes and supportive subjective norms, indicating that high creativity is not required in every configuration. Originality/value Entrepreneurship is vital for economic welfare. A range of factors influences entrepreneurial behaviour. Understanding these factors has been a focus of research. However, previous studies often examined individual influences in isolation, undermining theory development. To address this, this study offers a novel perspective that captures the potential complexities underlying the creativity–nascent entrepreneurship nexus.