Slowed by commitment and hastened by obstacles: Exploring patterns of entrepreneur role exit in the EPOP dataset

Abstract

Empirical understanding of why individuals become former entrepreneurs is not well-established. This investigation draws upon Identity Theory and Role Exit Theory to explore patterns in Entrepreneurship in the Population (EPOP) Survey Project dataset. The key finding is a theory-consistent tension between commitment and obstacles encountered in predicting exit from the entrepreneur role. The likelihood of being a former entrepreneur is decreased by surrogate indicators of commitment such as having a business as primary personal income source. The likelihood is increased by proximal obstacles such as low levels of familial support. These patterns persist after statistical control for a wide swath of demographic and business characteristics. Based on these observed patterns, avenues for future research and implications for entrepreneurs, educators, and policymakers are considered.