Opportunity lost: understanding entrepreneurial hesitation through a configuration approach

Mohamed Yacine Haddoud

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development2026https://doi.org/10.1108/jsbed-06-2025-0386article
AJG 2ABDC C
Weight
0.50

What the paper says

Purpose Despite global governmental efforts to promote entrepreneurship and create opportunities, many individuals remain hesitant to seize these opportunities. This study employs a configurational approach to examine key features that contribute to entrepreneurial hesitation. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the Regulatory Focus theory, the study analyzes data from 1,458 individuals in the United Arab Emirates sourced from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor database, focusing on five features: innovativeness, long-term career planning, pessimism, fear of failure, and entrepreneurial skills and knowledge. Findings The analysis identifies three distinct profiles of individuals associated with high entrepreneurial hesitation, labelled as “Innovative Bystanders”, “Sceptical Planners” and “Disillusioned Innovators.” Practical implications Understanding these profiles provides a foundation for developing diagnostic tools aimed at customizing government support and guidance, moving away from a one-size-fits-all strategy. Originality/value This study examines the complexities of entrepreneurial hesitation and offers new insights into the intricate profiles of individuals who exhibit a high level of hesitation.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/jsbed-06-2025-0386

Or copy a formatted citation

@article{mohamed2026,
  title        = {{Opportunity lost: understanding entrepreneurial hesitation through a configuration approach}},
  author       = {Mohamed Yacine Haddoud},
  journal      = {Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/jsbed-06-2025-0386},
}

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.