Entrepreneurial motivations among COVID-19 induced redundant employees in the hospitality and tourism industry

Abstract

Relying on the Push-Pull and Entrepreneurial Events theories, this study explores the motivations for entrepreneurial activities among COVID-19 induced redundant Ghanaian hospitality and tourism employees during COVID-19 pandemic. The study used a qualitative lens in selecting 20 respondents for interviews in Accra. The study revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic itself, firm liquidation, retrenchment, redundancy and associated socio-psychological burden were push factors driving entrepreneurial motivations while financial success, self-employment/independence, role taking, time flexibility and recognition were pull factors. The study also revealed the push and pull factors are not mutually exclusive but interlinked.

Keywords:

• Entrepreneurial motivation
• crisis
• redundant employees
• hospitality and tourism
• COVID-19 pandemic