Abstract
Habitual entrepreneurs are a key driver of economic development. Hence, it is important to generate a more detailed understanding of their addictive behaviour while running their businesses. The purpose of this study is to explore whether and how habitual entrepreneurs develop entrepreneurial addiction and the effects of this addiction. The study is based on a qualitative research design and analyzes the development of entrepreneurial addiction among habitual entrepreneurs. Findings indicated that habitual entrepreneurs actively develop entrepreneurial addiction after owning three businesses, due to several symptoms, namely, fulfilment, opportunity obsession, tolerance, engagement, and neglect, along with prior entrepreneurial experiences. Habitual entrepreneurs who demonstrate entrepreneurial addiction tend to have strained relationships, stress, anger, and health conditions. These findings have significantly provided a new understanding of entrepreneurial addiction from the context of habitual Malaysian entrepreneurs and expanded upon existing knowledge. This research enables habitual entrepreneurs to re-evaluate their patterns of addiction and take the required actions to overcome the tendency to become addicted.
Recommended Citation
Wan Abd Manan, Wan Khairul Anuar; Ismail, Athirah; and Muhamad Tamyez, Puteri Fadzline Fadzline
(2026)
"How do Habitual Entrepreneurs develop Entrepreneurial Addiction?,"
Journal of Business & Entrepreneurship: Vol. 36:
No.
1, Article 5.
Available at:
https://repository.ulm.edu/jbe/vol36/iss1/5
Included in
Development Studies Commons, Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Commons, Income Distribution Commons